Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office (FRO)

What is the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)?

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is an Ontario government agency tasked with the enforcement of court-ordered child and spousal support payments. Operating under the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996, the FRO plays a critical role in ensuring families and dependents receive the financial support they are entitled to under Ontario law.

Mandate of the FRO

The FRO’s primary mandate is to facilitate the collection, distribution, and enforcement of support payments as outlined in court orders or written domestic contracts, such as separation agreements that have been filed with the court. By acting as an intermediary between the payer (the individual responsible for support payments) and the recipient (the individual entitled to receive the support), the FRO ensures a structured and reliable system for managing support obligations.

How the FRO Operates

The FRO’s operations are built on a robust framework of legal authority granted by the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996. Once a court order for child or spousal support is registered with the FRO, the agency takes responsibility for managing the payments. This includes:

• Collection: Ensuring the payer submits the required support payments, typically through payroll deductions or direct payment arrangements.
• Distribution: Transferring collected funds to the recipient in a timely manner to minimize financial disruptions.
• Enforcement: Pursuing delinquent payers who fail to meet their obligations through various enforcement measures.

Importance of the FRO

The FRO is particularly vital in cases where support payments are inconsistent or contested. By acting as a neutral third party, the office reduces the emotional and logistical strain on families by eliminating the need for direct communication between the payer and the recipient.

Connection to the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996

This legislation provides the legal backbone for the FRO’s operations. It empowers the office to use various enforcement tools to collect outstanding payments. These measures include:

• Garnishing wages or bank accounts.
• Suspending driver’s licences or passports.
• Reporting delinquencies to credit bureaus.
• Registering liens against property owned by the payer.

The Act underscores the Ontario government’s commitment to prioritizing the financial well-being of families and ensuring that support orders are treated as enforceable legal obligations.

Who Can Register with the FRO?

Individuals who have a court order or a filed separation agreement involving child or spousal support are eligible to register with the FRO. Both payers and recipients benefit from the FRO’s involvement, as it provides a transparent system to track payments and ensures compliance with the support terms.

How Does the FRO Work?

Below is a detailed overview of how the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) operates.

1. Registration Process

To benefit from the FRO’s services, both payors (those responsible for support payments) and recipients (those entitled to receive payments) must register. The process involves the following steps:

• How to Register:

• • Registration begins with filing a support order or a domestic contract (e.g., a separation agreement) with the court.
  • The court then forwards the document to the FRO, automatically initiating the registration process.
  • Both parties are informed about the FRO’s involvement through a welcome package detailing the next steps.

• Required Documents:

• • A copy of the court order or domestic contract outlining the support terms is essential.
  • Additional identification or contact information may be required to facilitate communication and payment processing.

Once registered, the FRO assumes responsibility for managing the payments, ensuring a structured and legally enforceable arrangement.

2. Collection and Distribution

The FRO operates as an intermediary, collecting payments from the payor and distributing them to the recipient. This process is designed to ensure reliability and accountability.

• Collection Mechanisms:

• • The FRO often uses automatic wage garnishments, where payments are deducted directly from the payor’s salary by their employer.
  • In cases where wage garnishment is not possible, alternative arrangements like direct payments to the FRO are set up.

• Distribution of Payments:

• • Once funds are received, the FRO ensures timely distribution to the recipient, typically through direct deposit into their bank account.
  • This system minimizes delays and helps recipients maintain financial stability.

3. Enforcement Measures

When payors fail to meet their obligations, the FRO is empowered by Ontario law to take enforcement actions. These measures are designed to ensure compliance and hold delinquent payors accountable.

• Wage Garnishments: The FRO can issue orders to employers, requiring them to deduct support payments directly from the payor’s wages.
• Suspension of Driver’s Licences: If a payor falls significantly behind in their payments, the FRO can request the suspension of their driver’s licence until the arrears are cleared.
• Federal Interception Programs: The FRO can intercept federal payments owed to the payor, such as:

• • Tax refunds.
  • Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits.

Who Can Use the FRO?

Below, we outline who is eligible to access the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) and the types of support orders it enforces.

Eligibility Criteria for Accessing FRO Services

To use the FRO’s services, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:

1. Court-Ordered Support:

1. • The FRO enforces only those support agreements formalized through a court order. If a domestic contract, such as a separation agreement, is not already part of a court order, it must be filed with the court before the FRO can intervene.

2. Residency in Ontario:

1. • While the FRO primarily operates within Ontario, it can enforce orders involving payors and recipients residing in different provinces or countries under reciprocal enforcement agreements.

3. Registration with the FRO:

1. • Both the payor and recipient must be registered with the FRO. This process is often initiated automatically when a support order is filed with the court, but parties may need to provide additional documentation or information.

Types of Support Orders the FRO Enforces

The FRO is responsible for enforcing various types of support obligations, ensuring compliance with court-ordered payments. These include:

• Child Support:

• • Payments designed to cover the cost of raising children, including necessities such as food, housing, clothing, education, and healthcare.
  • The FRO ensures timely and accurate payment of child support amounts as specified in the court order, helping to meet the financial needs of children.

• Spousal Support:

• • Payments intended to provide financial support to a former spouse, typically in cases where there is a significant income disparity between the parties.
  • The FRO enforces spousal support payments to help recipients maintain financial stability and adjust to post-separation life.

How to Register with the FRO

Registering with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is essential for recipients and payors to manage child and spousal support payments effectively. Below is a step-by-step guide on how both parties can register and fulfill their responsibilities under the FRO program.

1. For Recipients

Steps to Submit Support Orders or Agreements
Recipients must follow these steps to register with the FRO:

• Obtain a Court Order or Filed Agreement:

• • Ensure you have a valid court order for support or a domestic agreement (e.g., a separation agreement) that has been filed with the Ontario court. The FRO cannot enforce informal agreements.

• Automatic Filing:

• • In most cases, the court will automatically forward the support order to the FRO. You will receive a Welcome Package with details on how to proceed.

• Manual Filing (if applicable):

• • If your court order has not been forwarded, you can manually send the required documents to the FRO along with a completed Registration Form, available on the FRO’s website.

Information Required for Registration
Recipients need to provide the following:

• A copy of the support order or filed domestic agreement.
• Personal identification, including full name, address, and contact details.
• Bank account information for direct deposit, ensuring timely receipt of support payments.
• Details about the payor, such as their name, address, employer, and contact information (if known).

2. For Payors

Obligations Under the FRO Program
As a payor, your primary obligation is to ensure timely and complete payment of the support amounts as specified in the court order. By registering with the FRO, you:

• Avoid direct contact with the recipient for payment matters.
• Ensure payments are recorded and tracked through an official system.
• Comply with legal requirements to avoid enforcement actions.

How Payments Can Be Made to the FRO
The FRO offers several convenient payment methods for payors:

• Online Banking:

• • Set up the FRO as a payee through your financial institution’s online banking platform. Use your case number as the account/reference number.

• Pre-Authorized Bank Deductions:

• • Arrange for payments to be automatically withdrawn from your bank account at regular intervals. This ensures payments are never missed.

• Payroll Deductions:

• • In many cases, the FRO will contact your employer to deduct the support payments directly from your wages. Employers are legally required to comply.

• Cheque or Money Order:

• • Payments can be mailed to the FRO. Ensure the payment includes your case number for accurate processing.

• Credit Card Payments (where available):

• • Some cases may allow payments via credit card through specific FRO systems.

Rights and Responsibilities of Payors and Recipients

This section outlines the key responsibilities and protections for both parties.

1. Payors

Consequences of Non-Compliance
Payors are legally obligated to make support payments as outlined in the court order. Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Wage Garnishment: The FRO can deduct payments directly from your wages or other income sources.
• Driver’s Licence Suspension: Persistent non-compliance may result in the suspension of your Ontario driver’s licence.
• Federal Interception: The FRO can intercept federal funds owed to you, such as tax refunds, Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments.
• Credit Reporting: Delinquent accounts may be reported to credit agencies, affecting your credit score.
• Property Liens or Seizures: The FRO can register a lien on your property or seize assets to recover arrears.
• Court Proceedings: In extreme cases, the FRO can pursue legal action, which may include contempt of court charges.

Steps to Address Financial Hardships or Request a Change in the Order
If you experience financial difficulties, there are steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Seek a Variation of the Court Order:

1. • Apply to the court for a modification of the support order based on a change in circumstances (e.g., job loss or reduced income).

2. Communicate with the FRO:

1. • Inform the FRO about your financial hardship to avoid enforcement actions while you work on resolving the issue.

3. Submit Financial Information:

1. • Provide evidence, such as proof of income reduction, to support your request for a temporary payment arrangement or alternative solutions.

2. Recipients

Right to Receive Payments on Time
Recipients are entitled to timely and full payments as specified in the court order. The FRO ensures this by:

• Monitoring payors for compliance.
• Using enforcement tools if payments are missed or delayed.

What to Do in Cases of Missed or Delayed Payments
If a payment is missed or delayed, recipients can take the following steps:

1. Contact the FRO:

1. • Report the missed payment to the FRO. The office will initiate enforcement measures to recover the arrears.

2. Request an Update:

1. • The FRO provides recipients with information on the status of enforcement actions and any expected timelines for payment recovery.

3. Keep Records:

1. • Maintain documentation of missed payments and correspondence with the FRO for reference.

4. Explore Legal Options:

1. • If the FRO’s enforcement measures are unsuccessful, consider consulting a divorce lawyer to explore additional legal remedies.

Contacting the FRO

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) provides multiple channels for payors and recipients to address inquiries, resolve issues, or access services. Below are the primary ways to get in touch with the FRO.

Online: Access to the FRO Online Service Portal

The FRO Online Service portal offers a convenient way to manage your case and access important information.

• Features of the Portal:

• • View payment history and account balances.
  • Update personal contact information.
  • Send secure messages to the FRO.
  • Track the status of enforcement actions.

• How to Access the Portal:

• • Visit the official FRO Online Service page on the Ontario government’s website.
  • Register using your case number and personal details.
  • Log in to access a range of self-service options 24/7.

 

Phone: Toll-Free Numbers for Support

For those who prefer speaking directly with a representative, the FRO offers dedicated toll-free phone lines:

• General Inquiries:

• • Toll-Free (within Ontario): 1-800-267-4330
  • For callers in the Greater Toronto Area: 416-326-1817

• Teletypewriter (TTY) Service for Hearing Impaired Individuals:

• • Toll-Free: 1-866-545-0083
  • Greater Toronto Area: 416-326-4012

• Automated Information Line:

• • Available 24/7 for basic information about your case or general services.

Best Times to Call:

• The FRO’s call centre is busiest on Mondays and mornings. Calling mid-week or in the afternoon can reduce wait times.

In-Person: Regional Support Offices in Ontario

For complex cases or those requiring direct assistance, the FRO also supports in-person services through regional offices:

• How to Locate an Office:

• • Visit the Ontario government’s website to find the FRO office nearest to you.
  • Offices are typically open during standard business hours, Monday to Friday.

• Important Notes:

• • In-person visits may require an appointment. Contact the FRO in advance to confirm availability and any required documentation.

How Does the FRO Work? How to Register with the FRO What is the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)? Who Can Use the FRO?