What happens if I stop paying child support in Nova Scotia?
This answer covers the law of Nova Scotia.
If you stop paying child support, the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) can enforce the order, but only if the order is enrolled. MEP is a free Nova Scotia service that helps people pay or receive court-ordered maintenance (child or spousal support). Enrolment is optional, and MEP works with other provinces' programs when a party lives outside Nova Scotia.
MEP's enforcement tools include garnishing wages, benefits, and bank and investment accounts, including joint accounts, and requesting suspension of a motor vehicle or hunting and fishing licence or revocation of a passport. Normally the payor sends money to MEP, which passes it to the recipient and keeps a record of payments.
The amount is based on the payor's income, using the table for the province where the payor ordinarily lives, plus any section 7 amounts. If your income or circumstances change, do not simply stop paying; get advice about asking for a change before arrears build, because a lawyer can confirm what applies to you. If you are owed support, check whether your order is enrolled, since MEP cannot enforce an order that is not enrolled.
Key takeaways
- MEP's enforcement tools include garnishing wages, benefits, and bank and investment accounts, including joint accounts.
- MEP can also request suspension of a motor vehicle or hunting and fishing licence or revocation of a passport.
- MEP cannot enforce an order that is not enrolled, and enrolment is optional.
- If your circumstances change, get advice about seeking a change before arrears build rather than simply stopping payment.