Child support is money paid by a parent to help cover the costs of raising their child after separation or divorce. Canadian child support follows federal Child Support Guidelines, which set amounts based on the paying parent's income and number of children. The guidelines create consistency and reduce conflict by providing clear formulas. Child support is distinct from spousal support (for the ex-partner) and is intended to ensure children maintain a reasonable standard of living regardless of which parent they live with. Provinces operate maintenance enforcement programs to collect support when payments are not made voluntarily. Child support obligations typically continue until children reach age of majority or complete education.