Collects, distributes and enforces child and spousal support payments

Consenting parents may opt out of enforcement program and deal directly with one another if the support is not in arrears

• if the support is in arrears, only the recipient can apply to opt out
• parents can request Family Responsibility Office (FRO) to reopen the case even if they opted out
• does not deal with child access or visitation issues; and does not change the support amount - it enforces orders made by family court
• to change the support amount, clients must apply to the family court

Enforcement actions that can be taken include:

• garnishment of wages
• collection of income tax refunds
• partial seizure of federal income programs such as Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
• seizure of assets including up to 100% bank accounts solely owned by the payor, up to 50% of joint bank accounts
• suspension of drivers licenses
• suspension of passports
• credit bureau reporting

Missing Child and Spousal Support Payors - posts information regarding parents registered with the Family Responsibility Office who have not made their support payments and cannot be found

• separation agreement must first be filed with a family court
• no walk in service