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Ontario Government Website
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ministry of Community and Social Services - Printer Friendly Version

Family Responsibility Office
Minister of Community and Social Services
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Community Services Developmental Services Family Responsibility Office Social Assistance
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SUPPORT ORDER AND A CUSTODY ORDER?

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) only enforces the terms of a support order or agreement that deal with child and/or spousal support. The FRO does not become involved in child custody or access issues.

A support order is a decision by a court that directs the payment of money toward the support or maintenance of a child or spouse.

A custody order is a decision by a court that establishes with whom a child shall live.

In Ontario, the FRO receives every support order made by a court in Ontario and enforces the amounts owed under the order. The FRO also enforces private written agreements such as domestic contracts. These agreements must first be filed with the Ontario Court of Justice or the Superior Court of Justice (Family Court).

The FRO has the legal authority to take enforcement actions against those individuals who do not meet their family support responsibilities.



ADDITIONAL INFO