Enforcing Custody & Support Orders in Ontario

Let’s dive into the mechanisms that ensure Custody & Support orders are followed.

Family Responsibility Office (FRO) - Enforcing Support Orders
Here’s how FRO do it
• Garnishing Wages: The FRO can direct employers to deduct support payments right from the paying parent’s wages.
• Intercepting Federal Payments: Overdue child support can be covered by intercepting tax refunds and other federal payments.
• Suspending Driver’s Licenses: If a parent fails to pay child support, the FRO can suspend their driver’s license.
• Reporting to Credit Bureaus: Non-payment can negatively impact a parent's credit rating, as it's reported to credit bureaus.

Enforcement of Custody Orders
For custody orders, the court has several tools to ensure compliance:
• Police Assistance: A police enforcement clause can be issued, authorizing police to help retrieve the child if necessary.
• Contempt of Court: Willful disobedience of a custody order can lead to a parent being found in contempt of court, which might result in fines or even imprisonment.

Need more information or assistance with custody and support orders? Visit us at www. Divorceoffice.ca or call us at (416) 519-0699. We’re here to help you navigate these legal waters.