Some Ontario residents may be interested in learning more about how to enforce a child support order that was issued as a result of their divorce. It is the provincial Maintenance Enforcement Program, which in Ontario is the Family Responsibility Office, that provides direct assistance to parents in such matters.
The FRO and the federal government typically cooperate with one another in order to see that a child support order is properly enforced. The first step in the process is to ensure that a support order or agreement be registered with the FRO, as it may not be able to assist unregistered cases. Action to enforce a support order can be taken by the federal government through the FRO. For instance, if the delinquent party is unable to be located, the FRO may request that the government search for the parent through federal information banks.
A support payer that fails in his or her obligations can be compelled into compliance through means such as licence suspension or wage garnishment. If the support payer misses three payments or more or is behind in payments by $3,000 or more, the government may lawfully suspend the passport and other licences within its authority. In addition, it may be possible to directly intercept wages paid to the individual or certain federal benefits that they receive.
Those who need to have their child support order enforced may wish to consult with a lawyer who has experience in family law matters before taking action against the payer. Petitioning the FRO and federal government for assistance will require the assembly and preparation of various forms of documentation.
Source: Department of Justice, “For people receiving support“, October 09, 2014