If you cannot make your payment, contact the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP).
When a court order or agreement is registered with MEP, the payment history is monitored. When a file is in arrears, MEP is required to pursue collection. MEP cannot change the terms of a court order or agreement. To avoid collection action, deterrent penalties and interest, it is always advisable for the debtor to establish payment arrangements that address current obligations and any arrears. Contacting MEP to review their options is also recommended for debtors anticipating difficulty in making future payments.
You can contact MEP by calling 780-422-5555 (dial 310-000 for toll-free access anywhere in Alberta).
MEP may be able to suspend collection action where debtors provide full financial disclosure in support of a reasonable voluntary payment arrangement to meet their maintenance obligations. This financial disclosure is provided through a sworn or affirmed statement setting out the debtor’s employment, expenses, income and assets, called a Statement of Finances. MEP staff will review each case individually and attempt to establish a payment arrangement based on the particular circumstances of the debtor. In all cases, efforts are made to arrange payments that satisfy the ongoing support obligation due and contribute towards any outstanding arrears.
MEP recognizes that changes in financial circumstances can affect the debtor’s ability to comply with the terms of a maintenance order or agreement. Where debtors are not able to establish a voluntary payment arrangement or would like more information regarding their legal options, it is recommended they seek legal advice. A debtor may apply to the court to vary the ongoing maintenance, to reduce or cancel arrears, or to establish a repayment schedule for the missed payments.
Debtors may also ask the courts for an order postponing certain collection action by MEP (“stay of enforcement”). Please be aware that the Maintenance Enforcement Act imposes time limits on the length of a stay the court may grant for support deduction notices, and that it does not permit stays of certain collection actions (such as federal support deduction notices, motor vehicle restrictions or driver’s licence cancellation, Personal Property Registry or Land Titles registrations). Again, debtors should obtain legal advice to determine what limitations may apply to stays of enforcement in their particular case.
Who to contact for more information:
More information can be obtained by referring to MEP’s Information Sheets: Varying or Changing Your Court Order and Referrals to Resources.