A lot is riding
on your support.

Information for people paying support

We know you want to do the right thing and support your family. We're here to help you meet your responsibilities.

• make a payment?
  There are several ways you can pay support including paycheque deductions, online banking, cheque or money order. Learn More
• find out the status of my case?
  You can access information about your case anytime using our automated information line. To do so, you will need to use your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Learn More
• get information on child custody and access?
  FRO does not have any authority to become involved in child custody or access issues. Visit the Ministry of the Attorney General’s website for information on child custody and access.
• change my support order, end support or lower my payment?
  The Family Responsibility Office cannot change any of the terms in your support order or domestic contract. Only the courts can do that. Learn More
• withdraw my case from FRO?
  If you would prefer to arrange for support payments to take place privately between you and the recipient, without FRO’s involvement, you can withdraw your case. Learn More
• find a lawyer?
  If you need to change your support order or domestic contract, you can get advice from a lawyer, your local Legal Aid office or Family Law Information Centre Learn More
• arrange to pay support arrears?
  If you fall behind in your support payments, contact our office as soon as possible at 416-326-1817 or Toll-free at 1-800-267-4330. Together, we can work out a payment plan. Learn More

• start paying support?
  You start paying support on the date stated in the support order or domestic contract. If no date is specified, your first payment is due on the same day the order or contract was made. Learn More
• stop paying support?
  In most cases, we will let you know when you can stop paying us. If you believe that your support payments should end, you should contact us. Learn More
• need to contact FRO?
  It is important that you contact us immediately if you fall behind in support, if anything on your case or in your personal life changes, or if you receive a letter or notice from FRO. In this way, we can enforce your support order effectively. Learn More
• need to go back to court?
  You will need to go to court if you want to change any of the terms in your support order or domestic contract. This includes ending, increasing and lowering your support payments. Learn More

• I’m moving or my contact information changes?
  You must tell us about any changes to your name, address or income source within 10 days to avoid file errors and possible enforcement action. Here's how to contact us
• I want to pay the support recipient directly?
  If you would prefer to arrange for support payments to take place privately between you and the recipient, without FRO's involvement, you can withdraw your case. Learn More
• I change jobs or lose my job?
  You must tell us about any changes to your income source within 10 days to avoid file errors and possible enforcement action. If you lose your job, you still must make your support payments. You may wish to contact a lawyer to find out what your options are. Learn More
• my child's circumstances change?
  If your child's circumstances change (for example your child turns 18, moves out, finishes school, gets a job or gets married), you need to contact a lawyer to discuss your options. We cannot change the amount of support you pay. Learn More
• the recipient dies?
  If you believe that your obligation to pay support has ended, you should contact us immediately. In some cases, we can stop enforcing the support you pay or enforce a lower amount of support without a court order. Learn More
• I receive a notice of default hearing?
  You have received a Notice of Default Hearing because you have fallen behind in your support payments. You must take action within 10 days. Learn More
• FRO takes enforcement action against me?
  Contact our office as soon as possible. Together, we can work out a payment plan. Learn More
• I lost, forgot or need to change my PIN?
  Your personal identification number (PIN) is designed to protect your personal information. Please contact us at 416-326-1817 or Toll free at 1-800-267-4330 right away if you have any concerns about your PIN.

• fall behind on payments?
  If you fall behind on payments, you should contact us as soon as possible at 416-326-1817 or Toll free at 1-800-267-4330 to work out a voluntary payment plan. Otherwise, we may take enforcement action to recover the money owed. Learn More
• leave Ontario, don’t live in Ontario or the other person doesn’t live in Ontario?
  FRO has enforcement agreements with every Canadian province and territory, every state in the United States of America, as well as 31 other countries. If one party lives in one of these areas, you can usually get, change or enforce a support order. Learn More
• am a status Indian or I live on a First Nations reserve?
  If you are a Status Indian, we will register and enforce your support order. How we collect support payments depends on the Indian status of the people entitled to the support. Learn More
• get married or change my name?
  You must tell us about any changes to your personal information within 10 days to avoid file errors and possible enforcement action. How to contact us
• declare bankruptcy?
  You still owe support. Tell the bankruptcy trustee that you owe support arrears. The Director of the Family Responsibility Office will be a creditor with a claim against your estate. We will still enforce the ongoing support that accumulates after you declare bankruptcy. Learn about enforcement actions
• miss a court date or get arrested for not appearing in court?
  If you miss a court date, you could be arrested. Contact a lawyer for advice. You may be able to sign a promise to appear in court at a later date, and the court may cancel any warrant for your arrest. If a warrant says that you must go to jail until you pay a certain amount, then you must pay it or wait until you are released from custody. Here's how to find a lawyer
• have paid an annual cost of living adjustment and I shouldn’t have?
  Cost of living adjustments (COLA) overpayments:
  The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is taking immediate steps to correct an administrative error and credit a number of clients who have overpaid child support. Not everyone’s case is affected. Learn more