The parenting arrangements affect who pays child support and how much. Primary care to one parent If the children live with one parent more than 60% of the time in a year, then the other parent pays child support based on the Guidelines. Shared parenting Where the children live with each parent at least 40% of the time in a year, child support is not a straightforward calculation. The Guidelines are a starting point. Each shared child counts as a child in both households. Calculate the difference between the two amounts (the “set-off” amount). However, the amount of child support must also take into account: the increased costs of shared parenting arrangements, and the condition, means, needs and other circumstances of each parent and the children. Sometimes the set-off amount will be appropriate and sometimes it will not be. An arbitrator or judge can decide what child support should be. Split parenting Split parenting is where one child lives with one parent at least 60% of the time, and the other child lives with the other parent at least 60% of the time. Calculate child support using the appropriate Guideline for each parent based on the number of children in the other parent’s care. The parent with the higher table amount pays the difference between the two amounts (the “set-off” amount) to the other parent. Last updated: March 2021