---
title: "Child Support vs. Spousal Support in Quebec: The Difference ✦ Goldwater Droit"
canonical_url: "https://goldwaterdroit.com/en/faqs/difference-between-child-and-spousal-support-quebec"
last_updated: "2026-09-15T20:55:30.679Z"
locale: en
meta:
  description: "In Quebec, child support follows a set formula while spousal support is discretionary under art. 587 C.c.Q. They are calculated—and taxed—differently."
  "og:description": "In Quebec, child support follows a set formula while spousal support is discretionary under art. 587 C.c.Q. They are calculated—and taxed—differently."
  "og:title": "Child Support vs. Spousal Support in Quebec: The Difference"
---

# What is the difference between child support and spousal support in Quebec?

They are two different obligations decided under different rules. Child support is owed to the child and is calculated using a set, income-based formula—the Quebec model or the federal guidelines—so the amount is largely determined by the parents' incomes, the number of children, and parenting time. Spousal support is owed to a spouse and is discretionary: under article 587 of the Civil Code of Québec, it is assessed on the recipient's needs, the payer's means, the circumstances, and the time the recipient needs to become financially self-sufficient. There is also a tax difference: spousal support is generally taxable to the recipient and deductible to the payer, while child support is not. Because spousal support turns on judgment rather than a formula, it more often requires legal analysis.

Civil Code of Québec, arts. 585, 587 (support; needs and means) Regulation respecting the determination of child support payments (child support formula) Divorce Act, ss. 15.1–15.2