By Government of Saskatchewan

Child Support Assistance

Government Strengthens Legislation On Child Support Payments

Nov 1, 2019 | 8:27 AM

Amendments are being introduced that will help enforcement of child support orders.

The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Amendment Act, 2019 will amend The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act, 1997 and will clarify that the Maintenance Enforcement Office (MEO) can collect financial information, including banking information.

“These changes are about helping children receive the support to which they are entitled,” Justice Minister Don Morgan said. “The Maintenance Enforcement Office needs to be able to collect banking information in order to accurately calculate and collect payments.”

The current law says the MEO can request information on financial status, but does not expressly reference banking information.

The proposed amendments will also add recalculation decisions to the definition of maintenance order. Recalculation decisions allow for updates to child support payments to be reviewed by program staff rather than going back to court.

Honouring a local legend

Prince Albert Arts Centre renamed to honour Margo Fournier during ceremony

1h ago

Wildfires

Fort McMurray under evacuation alert due to out-of-control wildfire nearby

8h ago

Draft class

Raiders continue to add to deep prospect pool with 2024 draft class

10h ago

Some family law disputes may result in an arbitration award. The amendments will also clarify that the Maintenance Enforcement Office can enforce an arbitrator’s decision that awards support.

The MEO registers child support orders and agreements, records and monitors payments and takes enforcement action when the required payments are missed or late.