- The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) needs a filed maintenance order or an eligible agreement that sets an enforceable amount.
- Either the payor or the recipient can register, and only one needs to.
- MEP can suspend a payor's Alberta driver's licence when the payor is in arrears with no payment arrangement.
When support stops arriving, it is stressful and often costly. You may feel stuck between chasing your ex yourself and doing nothing.
In Alberta, there is a government program that collects and enforces support. This article walks through who can use it, how to register, and what enforcement can look like.
This article covers the law of Alberta.
Check that you have something MEP can enforce
To be eligible for MEP, either the payor or the recipient must live in Alberta. There must also be a filed maintenance order or maintenance agreement that sets an enforceable amount. People living outside Alberta should register with the enforcement program where they live.
Some documents are not enough on their own. MEP cannot enforce maintenance terms that are not in a court order or an eligible agreement. Examples include Reasons for Judgment, Endorsements, Minutes of Settlement and Separation Agreements. Arbitration awards are unenforceable unless a court order confirms them.
If your arrangement is only in one of those documents, a lawyer can explain how to turn it into an enforceable order.
How to register
Either the support payor or the recipient may register, and only one needs to. The ministry responsible for income support can also register where the recipient collects income support.
Registration is online through MEP Online Registration, which requires an Alberta.ca account, or by mail. The mail forms are set out below.
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Registration Request form MEP13371 | The main registration form |
| Direct Deposit form MEP2389 | Used to receive payments by direct deposit; one of two forms accepted with the registration |
| Authorized Bank Withdrawal form MEP3678 | The other accepted form |
| Affidavit of Arrears MEP0516 | Optional; include it if you want MEP to collect unpaid amounts |
There is no fee to register with MEP for the first time. A $205 re-registration fee applies if you previously withdrew or MEP closed the file for non-compliance.
What happens after you register
MEP notifies the other party by mail and assigns a 7-digit file number. Once the file opens, the payor must stop paying the recipient directly and pay through MEP.
MEP collects court-ordered child, spousal and partner support from payors and enforces as needed. Recipients must tell MEP of any payments received directly from the payor.
Enforcement consequences for a payor
MEP can suspend a payor's Alberta driver's licence when the payor is in arrears with no payment arrangement. A payor who wants it lifted must contact MEP to set up payments.
A payor can ask a court for a stay of enforcement under section 32 of the Maintenance Enforcement Act, which can last up to 9 months. A stay does not erase the arrears. It does not stop federal collection such as garnishing employment insurance or tax refunds, and it does not return a suspended driver's licence. MEP generally will not use credit bureau reporting or Civil Enforcement Act seizures during a stay.
Other enforcement tools may be available depending on your file. MEP or a lawyer can tell you what applies to your situation.
What to do next
- Confirm you have a filed court order or eligible agreement with an enforceable amount.
- Keep a record of what has been paid and what is missing, including any direct payments, which you must report to MEP.
- Register online or by mail with the correct forms.
- Consider including the Affidavit of Arrears if you want unpaid amounts collected.
- Stop accepting direct payments from the payor once your file opens, and let MEP handle collection.
- Talk to a lawyer if the order is unclear, or if the payor's income has changed and the amount may need review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to register with MEP?
The registration process is set up for payors and recipients to use directly, online or by mail. A lawyer can still help if your order or agreement is unclear or may not be enforceable.
Does it cost anything to register?
There is no fee to register for the first time. A $205 re-registration fee applies if you previously withdrew or MEP closed the file for non-compliance.
Can MEP enforce my separation agreement?
Not if it is only a Separation Agreement. MEP cannot enforce terms that are not in a court order or an eligible agreement. The maintenance order or agreement must be filed and set an enforceable amount.
What if my ex lives in another province?
Either the payor or the recipient must live in Alberta to use MEP. People living outside Alberta should register with the enforcement program where they live.
Sources
- Government of Alberta – MEP: Am I eligible? — alberta.ca
- Government of Alberta – MEP: How to register — alberta.ca
- Government of Alberta – MEP: How it works — alberta.ca
- Government of Alberta – MEP info: motor vehicle restrictions and driver's licence suspensions — alberta.ca
- Government of Alberta – Limit the collection of your support debts — alberta.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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