Once there is an order made under the Guidelines, what happens
if the parent doesn't pay?
The
Guidelines are part of the federal Divorce Act, so in areas
where the federal government has power, there can be penalties for
parents who don't pay. For example, the federal government can refuse
to issue or renew a passport for a parent who doesn't pay. It can
also refuse to give pilot, fishing and shipping licences and other
federally issued certificates. It is also possible for provincial
government agencies that are trying to recover arrears from parents
to search the database of Revenue Canada to get more information
about debtors. Federal pension law is also going to be amended so
that a federally paid pension could be used to pay child support
arrears.
In
general, however, enforcement of court orders is a provincial matter.
Provinces operate a variety of enforcement programs for family financial
support which also include penalties such as a refusal to issue
driving licences and garnishment of earnings.
For
more information, see the Department
of Justice Canada website.
WARNING:
The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information
only.
If
you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.
July
2006 |
