Enforcing Support

In June 2019, changes were made to two pieces of legislation related to family law: the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (FOAEAA) and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Act (GAPDA). Certain changes to FOAEAA and GAPDA came into force on Royal Assent (June 21, 2019). Other changes to GAPDA came into force in December 2020 while other changes to FOAEAA will come into force progressively within the next 2 years at a date to be determined by Order in Council. This website will be updated as those changes come into effect.

A support order from a court is a legal document. The order may be to pay spousal support, child support or both. A support order can be enforced if the full amount of support is not being paid. An agreement to pay child support or spousal support can also be enforced if it is in writing. Each province and territory has a Maintenance Enforcement Program to help enforce support orders and agreements.

This website provides general information. Family law is complex. You are encouraged to contact a lawyer for help with family law issues.

Most requested

Services and information

For people who owe support

By law, you must comply with a support order from a court or with a written agreement to pay support.

For people receiving support

Child support and parenting time are separate issues.

Resolve Enforcement Issues

Sometimes people stop paying support because things have changed.

Enforcement between provinces, territories and countries

All Canadian provinces and territories have reciprocity arrangements with each other and with certain other countries.

Provincial and Territorial Social Assistance Agencies

Contact information to assist applicant in providing notice to the support order assignee of filing an application to vary a support order, as required under section 18.3(2) of the Divorce Act