Although the court sends copies of Alberta maintenance orders to the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP), this does not mean that the order is automatically enforced by MEP. For collection to occur, either the creditor (recipient) or debtor (payor) must complete and return a registration package.

Registration packages can be accessed through MEP’s website or requested from MEP or any Alberta courthouse. Faxed packages can also be ordered through the MEP Info Line at 780-422-5555 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access anywhere in Alberta) by following the voice prompts. The catalogue number for a creditor registration package is 99017; for a debtor package, the catalogue number is 99018.

Included in the registration package are all forms necessary to establish a "file" with MEP. The following documents are required with a registration application:

• Court order for maintenance or enforceable support agreement (For out-of-province/country orders, please provide two certified copies.) This includes:
  • interim order, final order, or Divorce Judgment and Corollary Relief Order
  • original signed copy of Maintenance Enforcement Support Agreement, paternity agreement (for unwed parents), or agreement under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act or Income and Employment Supports Act
  • all orders varying the terms of an original maintenance agreement or order
  • enforcement orders made in any court to enforce payment.
• Affidavit of Arrears and Calculation Worksheet (provided in registration package)
• Direct Deposit Form for creditors (provided in registration package), or Debtor Payment Form for debtors.

Once a registration package is processed, notification of the registration is sent to the creditor and the debtor. Where a creditor has initiated the registration, the debtor is required to contact MEP to establish a payment arrangement. Failure to do so may result in the commencement of collection action and deterrent penalties. Those debtors who establish and continue a full payment arrangement with MEP are given "Good Payor Status."

A creditor or debtor who completes a registration may withdraw from MEP provided that support funds are not owed to the government. Where both the creditor and debtor have registered, both must agree to withdrawal before the file can be closed. Withdrawal must be done in writing. For clients’ convenience, a withdrawal form is available by request through the website or through the "fax-on-demand" option of the MEP Info Line (catalogue number 99012). A client can re-register with MEP at a later date; however, a service fee of $200 may apply.