Child Support Enforcement Lawyers in the GTA
Unpaid support is not optional. We help parents collect arrears and enforce court orders through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) and private legal action.
Get Your Support CollectedLegal Review: This enforcement guide was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer, to ensure compliance with the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act (2026).
How is Support Enforced in Ontario?
In Ontario, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is the government agency tasked with collecting support. Once a Court Order or Separation Agreement is filed with the FRO, they have the statutory power to garnish wages, seize tax refunds, and suspend licenses. However, the FRO is often overburdened. Tailor Law acts as your advocate to push the FRO into action or seek direct 'Default Hearings' in court to compel payment.
Consequences for Non-Payment
Wage Garnishment
The FRO can order an employer to deduct support payments directly from the payor's paycheck before they even see the money.
License Suspension
The FRO can suspend the payor's Driver's License. They can also suspend professional licenses (Real Estate, Medical, Legal, Aviation).
Federal Seizures
The federal government can seize Income Tax Refunds, HST rebates, and even suspend Canadian Passports to prevent travel.
Jail Time
As a last resort, a judge can order jail time (up to 180 days) for contempt of court regarding non-payment of support.
FRO vs. Private Lawyer
The FRO is free, but slow. A lawyer costs money, but moves fast.
Relying Solely on FRO
Caseworkers manage thousands of files. They may take months to act. They rarely investigate hidden income or self-employment schemes.
Hiring Tailor Law
We file 'Motions for Enforcement' directly in court. We conduct examinations (depositions) to find hidden assets. We pressure the FRO to prioritize your file.
Steps to Collect What You Are Owed
Filing the Order
We ensure your Separation Agreement or Court Order is formally filed with the court and registered with the FRO Director.
The Statement of Arrears
We calculate exactly how much is owed, including Section 7 expenses and interest.
The Refraining Motion
(For Payors): If your license is about to be suspended, we can file a motion to pause enforcement while we negotiate a payment plan.
The Default Hearing
(For Recipients): We drag the payor into court to explain to a judge *why* they haven't paid. If they lie or have no excuse, the judge orders immediate payment or jail.
Enforcement FAQs
This is common. We can use 'Lifestyle Evidence' (photos of vacations, new cars) to ask the court to impute income and fine them, regardless of what their tax return says.
Related Financial Services
How is Child Support Calculated?
Understanding the Federal Child Support Guidelines and income determination.
Learn More →Special & Extraordinary Expenses (Section 7)
Learn about additional expenses beyond base child support payments.
Learn More →Financial Relief (Interim Orders)
Getting temporary financial support during divorce proceedings.
Learn More →
Deepa Tailor
Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor is the founder of Tailor Law. She helps parents in Mississauga and Toronto enforce child support orders, collect arrears, and navigate the Family Responsibility Office system to ensure children receive the financial support they deserve.
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Every month of unpaid support is money your child will never see. Let us enforce your order.
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