The registration of a maintenance order at the Personal Property Registry (PPR) is one of the collection tools that may be used by the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) when a debtor is in arrears. Because MEP's registrations act like a writ of enforcement filed against the name of the debtor, they are commonly referred to as "writs."

The PPR provides online registration and search services for liens, writs and security agreements affecting personal property. The term "personal property" describes all property other than land, such as recreational and other vehicles, aircraft, household and personal items, industrial and farming equipment, and securities like shares, stocks and bonds. The PPR also supports the enforcement of money judgments and other civil enforcement proceedings. All information that is stored in the PPR Information System is public. Forms, services and information about registrations and searches are available at registry agent offices throughout Alberta and at www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca.

MEP is authorized by the Maintenance Enforcement Act to register a maintenance order with the PPR at any time. Registration is only initiated by MEP if an account is in arrears. Once a writ is registered by MEP, it normally will stay in place for the life of the maintenance file as security for future ongoing payments, even if the maintenance arrears are paid.

MEP's registration at the PPR may prevent the debtor from transferring clear title to personal property he or she wishes to sell. MEP may also specifically register a charge against serial-numbered goods that the debtor may own, such as a vehicle. This may make it difficult for the debtor to sell or finance the vehicle without first making satisfactory arrangements with MEP.

Registering a maintenance order at the PPR also allows MEP to instruct a civil enforcement agency to seize personal property located in Alberta. In determining whether to take this step, MEP considers the costs associated with seizure and sale. Before MEP can receive funds from a seizure and sale, administrative costs must first be paid to the agency that conducts the seizure, to any party who stores the assets seized and to the auctioneer who sells the assets. Additionally, any loans registered against the asset must be paid in full. Seizure will only be conducted if MEP expects to receive a reasonable amount of money for the creditor after these costs have been deducted.

Should MEP proceed with a seizure and sale, the net sale funds (after administrative costs are paid) are distributed among all of the debtor's creditors by the civil enforcement agency. Maintenance creditors take priority over most, but not all, other creditors. The agency determines the appropriate distribution according to the Civil Enforcement Act.

Registration at the PPR also enables MEP to receive a share of funds received by civil enforcement agencies or the Court of Queen's Bench as a result of seizures or bank and wage garnishees issued against the debtor by other creditors. The writ will not intercept other money paid into court, such as court costs, money used to post bail or money being held at Queen's Bench in trust, including money from the sale of real property or personal injury settlements.