When parents separate, understanding child support can involve more than determining the basic monthly amount. Certain costs for children may fall outside regular child support and may need to be shared separately between parents.
These are commonly called Section 7 expenses, or special or extraordinary expenses.
For parents navigating child support in British Columbia, knowing what qualifies as a Section 7 expense, how costs may be divided, and how to address disagreements can help reduce uncertainty and avoid future conflict.
At Taylor Law Group, we have supported families in Langley and throughout the Fraser Valley for more than 30 years. We understand that financial questions after separation can feel stressful. Clear information can help parents make practical decisions while keeping their children’s needs at the centre of the discussion.
What Are Section 7 Expenses?
The regular amount of child support is generally intended to contribute toward ordinary expenses associated with raising a child, including everyday costs such as housing, food and clothing.
Section 7 expenses are different. They are certain special or extraordinary expenses that may be payable in addition to the basic child support amount.
Under the child support guidelines, these expenses must generally be necessary in relation to the child’s best interests and reasonable considering factors such as the financial circumstances of the parents and child, as well as the family’s spending patterns before separation.
This means an expense does not automatically become a Section 7 expense simply because it benefits a child.
Parents dealing with child support questions can learn more about our approach to spousal and child support and our broader family law services in Langley.
What Expenses May Qualify Under Section 7?
Section 7 identifies several categories of special or extraordinary expenses.
Child Care Expenses
Child care may qualify when it is incurred because of a parent’s:
- Employment
- Illness
- Disability
- Education or training for employment
Daycare or other child care required so a parent can work is a common example.
Medical And Dental Insurance
The portion of medical or dental insurance premiums attributable to a child may qualify as a special expense.
This is separate from uninsured health expenses that may also fall within Section 7.
Certain Health-Related Expenses
Health-related expenses may qualify when they exceed applicable insurance reimbursement by at least $100 annually.
Depending on the circumstances, these expenses can include:
- Orthodontic treatment
- Prescription medication
- Counselling
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Hearing aids
- Glasses or contact lenses
Parents should keep receipts, insurance statements and other records showing the actual cost of these expenses.
Extraordinary Educational Expenses
Certain primary or secondary school costs, or costs associated with educational programs meeting a child’s particular needs, may qualify when they are considered extraordinary.
Not every school expense will meet this threshold. Whether an expense is extraordinary can depend on its cost, the parents’ financial circumstances, the child’s needs and other relevant factors.
Post-Secondary Education
Expenses associated with post-secondary education can also fall within Section 7.
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve expenses such as tuition, textbooks or other education-related costs. Determining what should be contributed and by whom can depend on the individual family’s circumstances, including the child’s own financial contribution.
Extraordinary Extracurricular Activities
Some extracurricular costs may qualify, but an activity is not automatically a Section 7 expense simply because it is important to a child.
The cost of an activity, the parents’ incomes, the number and nature of activities, and the child’s particular needs or talents can all be relevant.
For example, an occasional recreational activity may be treated differently from significant expenses associated with a child competing at an advanced level.
How Are Section 7 Expenses Divided Between Parents?
One of the most common misconceptions is that Section 7 expenses must always be divided equally.
The general principle is that the net expense is shared in proportion to the parents’ respective incomes, although individual agreements or circumstances can affect how costs are handled.
Consider a simplified example. If one parent earns 60 percent of the parents’ combined income and the other earns 40 percent, an eligible net expense may generally be divided using the same proportions.
Before determining the amount to be shared, it may also be necessary to consider:
- Insurance reimbursements
- Government subsidies or benefits
- Applicable tax deductions or credits
- Contributions made by the child
- Other factors affecting the actual net cost
Accurate financial information is therefore important. Our guide to financial documents needed during separation in BC explains some of the records separating spouses may need to gather.
Does Every Extracurricular Activity Count?
No. This is an important distinction for parents.
Section 7 specifically refers to extraordinary extracurricular expenses. Whether an activity meets that standard depends on the circumstances rather than the name of the activity itself.
Factors that may be considered include:
- The cost relative to the parents’ incomes
- The child support already being received
- The overall number and cost of activities
- The child’s particular abilities or needs
- The family’s financial circumstances
- Whether the family participated in similar activities before separation
Two families could therefore reach different conclusions about the same activity.
Focusing on the child’s needs and the practical financial circumstances of both households can often help parents approach these discussions more constructively. The child’s well-being is also central to many other parenting decisions, as discussed in our article on how BC courts determine the best interests of children.
Should Parents Agree Before Incurring An Expense?
Whenever practical, discussing significant expenses before committing to them can help prevent disagreements.
A clear parenting or separation agreement may establish a process for Section 7 expenses, including:
- Which expenses are already approved.
- Whether advance consent is required for new expenses.
- How parents will exchange receipts and invoices.
- How insurance and reimbursements will be handled.
- What percentage each parent will contribute.
- How quickly reimbursement must be made.
- How future disputes will be resolved.
Clear expectations can be particularly helpful when children participate in expensive activities or have ongoing medical, educational or child care needs.
Parents beginning the separation process can find additional information on our divorce and separation page.
What Happens If Parents Disagree About Section 7 Expenses?
Disagreements can arise over whether an expense is necessary, whether it is extraordinary, how much it should cost or how the expense should be divided.
Court is not always the first or only option.
Parents may be able to resolve the issue through negotiation or family mediation in Langley. Mediation can provide a structured environment for discussing expenses, financial information and future decision-making while working toward a practical solution.
For parents considering this approach, our article on questions to ask during your first mediation session can help you prepare.
Where agreement is not possible, legal advice can help clarify how the child support guidelines may apply to the particular expense and what options are available.
Keep Clear Records Of Section 7 Expenses
Good recordkeeping can make these issues considerably easier to manage.
Parents should consider maintaining records of:
- Receipts and invoices
- Proof of payment
- Insurance reimbursements
- Child care subsidies
- Relevant tax information
- Emails or written agreements about expenses
- Current income information
Keeping these records organized can reduce misunderstandings and provide a clearer picture of the actual cost being shared.
Get Clear Guidance About Child Support In BC
Section 7 expenses are intended to address important costs that may fall outside ordinary child support, but deciding which expenses qualify and how they should be shared is not always straightforward.
Every family has different finances, priorities and needs. A thoughtful agreement can provide clarity for both parents while helping them focus on what supports their children.
With more than 30 years of experience serving Langley and the Fraser Valley, we provide compassionate, personalized guidance to families navigating child support, parenting arrangements, separation and other family law matters.
If you have questions about Section 7 expenses or your responsibilities following separation, contact Taylor Law Group to discuss your circumstances and explore your next steps.
