Failing to pay child support in Ontario can result in serious legal and financial penalties, including wage garnishment, property seizure, and license suspension.
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) in Ontario has significant enforcement powers to collect unpaid child support. When payments are missed, the FRO can take several actions:
- Garnish up to 50% of the payor’s wages or salary
- Intercept federal payments, including tax refunds and GST credits
- Place liens on personal property and real estate
- Suspend the payor’s driver’s license, passport, and other federal licenses
- Report the payor to credit bureaus, affecting their credit rating
- Seize bank accounts or other financial assets
In severe cases of non-payment, the courts may find the payor in contempt of court, which can result in fines or imprisonment. Additionally, unpaid child support continues to accumulate interest and cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy. The FRO can also publish the payor’s name and photo online as part of their enforcement efforts.