Child support enforcement helps ensure children receive the financial support they need from both parents after separation or divorce.
Alberta’s Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) provides free services to help collect court-ordered child and spousal support payments.
Understanding your rights and options for child support enforcement can help you take appropriate action when payments are missed or delayed.
How MEP Works in Alberta
The Maintenance Enforcement Program automatically registers all child support orders made by Alberta courts.
MEP acts as an intermediary between the paying parent (payor) and receiving parent (recipient) to collect and distribute support payments.
- Monitors payment compliance
- Takes enforcement action when needed
- Keeps records of all payments
- Updates both parties on payment status
Enforcement Actions Available
When payments are missed, MEP can take several actions:
- Garnish wages or bank accounts
- Place liens on property
- Suspend driver’s licenses
- Restrict passport privileges
- Report to credit bureaus
- Seize assets or tax refunds
Steps to Register with MEP
- Obtain a court order for child support
- Complete MEP registration forms
- Submit copies of court orders and identification
- Provide contact and banking information
Contact Information for Support
MEP Client Contact Centre: 780-422-5555 (Edmonton area) or 310-0000 (toll-free in Alberta)
MEP Website: alberta.ca/maintenance-enforcement.aspx
Legal Resources and Assistance
- Legal Aid Alberta: 1-866-845-3425
- Resolution and Court Administration Services: 1-855-738-4747
- Edmonton Community Legal Centre: 780-702-1725
Taking Action on Missed Payments
Document all missed payments and communication attempts with the payor.
Contact MEP immediately when payments are missed to discuss enforcement options.
Keep your contact and banking information updated with MEP to avoid payment delays.
Moving Forward with Support Enforcement
The MEP system works most effectively when both parents maintain open communication and fulfill their obligations.
Regular monitoring of payments and prompt reporting of issues helps ensure consistent support for children.
Contact a family law attorney or MEP directly for guidance on complex enforcement situations.
Rights and Responsibilities
For Recipients
- Keep accurate records of all payments received
- Update MEP about changes in circumstances
- Maintain reasonable communication with payor
- Respect visitation agreements
For Payors
- Make payments on time and in full
- Notify MEP of employment changes
- Keep contact information current
- Communicate about payment difficulties
Common Challenges and Solutions
Payment enforcement can face several obstacles:
- Job loss or income changes
- Relocation outside Alberta
- Bankruptcy situations
- Disputed order amounts
Solutions may include:
- Payment plan arrangements
- Order variation applications
- Inter-provincial enforcement
- Mediation services
Building a Stable Support Framework
Consistent child support ensures children maintain their standard of living and receive necessary care.
MEP provides essential tools and services to maintain regular payment flow between parents.
Early intervention and proper documentation help resolve payment issues effectively.
Working together through the proper channels creates stability for all parties involved.
FAQs
1. What are the main methods of child support enforcement in Alberta?
The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) is Alberta’s primary enforcement agency. MEP can garnish wages, seize assets, suspend driver’s licenses, report to credit bureaus, and intercept federal payments like tax refunds.
2. How do I register with Alberta’s Maintenance Enforcement Program?
You need a court order or agreement for child support, complete MEP registration forms, and provide proper identification. Both private agreements and court orders must be filed with the Court of Queen’s Bench before MEP registration.
3. Can MEP collect child support from a payor who lives outside Alberta?
Yes, through reciprocal enforcement agreements with other provinces, territories, and many countries. The Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act (ISO) allows Alberta to enforce orders across jurisdictions.
4. What happens if the payor fails to make child support payments in Alberta?
MEP can take various enforcement actions including wage garnishment, federal payment interception, property liens, driver’s license suspension, passport denial, and credit bureau reporting.
5. How long does child support enforcement continue in Alberta?
Child support continues until the child turns 18 or longer if the child is still dependent due to illness, disability, or full-time education. Enforcement continues until all arrears are paid in full.
6. Can child support orders be changed if circumstances change?
Yes, either parent can apply to court to vary the order if there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss or income change. The original order remains enforceable until modified by court.
7. What information does MEP need to enforce child support payments?
MEP requires the payor’s current address, employer information, social insurance number, and banking information. Recipients must keep MEP updated about any changes to this information.
8. Can MEP help collect child support arrears from previous years?
Yes, MEP can enforce collection of arrears, even from years ago. There is no limitation period for child support arrears in Alberta, and interest may be charged on unpaid amounts.
9. What happens if the payor declares bankruptcy?
Child support obligations and arrears survive bankruptcy and remain enforceable. Bankruptcy does not eliminate the responsibility to pay ongoing support or arrears.
10. Can I opt out of MEP if I want to receive payments directly?
Yes, both parties can agree to opt out of MEP by filing a Notice of Withdrawal. However, if payments become irregular, you can re-enroll in MEP for enforcement.
