Existing child support orders will continue to be enforceable. However, an application to vary or change an existing child support order granted under provincial legislation (such as the Parentage and Maintenance Act or Domestic Relations Act) must be made under the Family Law Act.

Alberta courts have generally referred to child support guidelines under the federal Divorce Act in cases involving unmarried or separated parents.

With this Act, Alberta will formally adopt the Alberta Child Support Guidelines, which is modeled on the federal government’s guidelines.

This change will ensure that the amount of child support for Alberta children will be calculated in the same way, regardless of the nature of their parents’ relationship.