What is the Family Responsibility Office?

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is Ontario’s government agency responsible for collecting and distributing child and spousal support payments. When a court issues a support order, the FRO acts as an intermediary, ensuring payments flow from the person paying support to the person receiving it. The FRO also has enforcement powers including wage garnishment, license suspension, and bank account seizure when payments are missed.

While family lawyers help you obtain or modify support orders through the courts, the FRO handles the practical side of support enforcement. The FRO cannot change support amounts or resolve custody disputes. The FRO’s role is purely administrative: collecting payments, tracking arrears, and enforcing court orders when someone fails to pay.

Understanding how the FRO works is essential whether you’re paying or receiving support. This guide explains the FRO’s enforcement timeline, your options for withdrawal, and what to do if you receive an FRO notice. You’ll learn which enforcement actions happen first, how quickly they escalate, and when legal intervention becomes necessary.

Key Insights

• FRO enrollment is mandatory for most support orders issued after March 1, 1997, with limited exceptions for joint withdrawal agreements
• Enforcement escalates gradually starting with warnings and wage garnishment within 2-4 weeks before moving to license suspension or passport denial
• The FRO cannot modify support amounts only courts can change what you owe or receive, even during job loss or financial hardship
• The FRO provides free services to recipients with no enrollment fees, monthly charges, or enforcement costs
• Withdrawal requires zero arrears both parties must jointly request it, and any outstanding balance blocks approval
• Accurate records protect both parties from payment disputes, enforcement errors, and complications that become expensive to resolve

How Does the Family Responsibility Office Work?

The FRO acts as an intermediary between the person paying support and the person receiving it. Once a support order is registered with the FRO, payments no longer go directly between the parties.

Here’s how the payment process typically flows:

1. The payor makes payments to the FRO (not directly to the recipient)
2. The FRO receives and records the payment in its system
3. The FRO distributes the payment to the recipient through direct deposit or cheque

This creates a clear payment trail. Both parties can access their FRO account online to see payment history, outstanding balances, and enforcement actions.

The FRO enforces whatever support amount the court orders. Courts often use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines to determine appropriate spousal support amounts based on income, length of marriage, and other factors. Once the court sets the amount, the FRO’s role is purely administrative.

What the FRO tracks:

• Every payment received and distributed
• Any missed or late payments
• Total arrears (unpaid support owed)
• Enforcement actions taken

The FRO sends regular statements to both parties showing the account status. If payments are made consistently and on time, the FRO simply processes them without further involvement. Problems arise only when payments are missed or late.

Do I Have to Use the Family Responsibility Office?

Most court orders for child or spousal support issued after March 1, 1997 automatically require FRO enrollment. This means you don’t get to choose whether the FRO is involved, it’s mandated by law.

There are two main situations where FRO involvement is required:

Automatic enrollment applies when:

• A court issues a new support order
• You’re modifying an existing support order
• Either party requests FRO enforcement of an older order

You may avoid FRO enrollment if:

• Both parties had a private arrangement before March 1, 1997, and neither has filed the order with the FRO
• Both parties jointly agree to withdraw from the FRO (more on this below)
• The support order specifically states FRO enrollment is not required (rare and requires both parties’ consent)

Many people mistakenly believe they can simply agree to handle payments privately. While this was more common before 1997, current law heavily favors FRO involvement to protect recipients and create enforcement mechanisms.

If you’re already enrolled and payments are being made properly, the FRO operates in the background without much impact on your daily life. Issues typically arise only during non-payment situations.

What Enforcement Powers Does the FRO Have?

The FRO can enforce unpaid support through a range of legal measures that escalate based on the severity and duration of non-payment. These powers exist under the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act.

When someone falls behind on support payments, the FRO typically follows a graduated enforcement approach:

Initial enforcement actions:

• Wage garnishment – The FRO contacts the payor’s employer to deduct support directly from their paycheque
• Bank account garnishment – The FRO can seize funds from bank accounts, investment accounts, and RRSPs
• Federal payment interception – Tax refunds, GST credits, and other federal payments can be redirected to cover arrears

Escalated enforcement measures:

• Driver’s license suspension – The FRO can suspend the payor’s Ontario driver’s license
• Vehicle permit denial – License plate renewals can be blocked
• Passport denial – For significant arrears, the FRO can request federal passport suspension
• Credit bureau reporting – Outstanding arrears appear on the payor’s credit report

Serious enforcement actions:

• Default hearing – The payor must appear in court to explain why they haven’t paid
• Contempt of court – In extreme cases, failure to pay court-ordered support can result in jail time

The FRO does not immediately jump to the most severe measures. They typically start with garnishment and warnings, then escalate if the payor continues to avoid payment or refuses to cooperate.

Important note: If you’re struggling to pay due to a legitimate change in circumstances (job loss, medical emergency), the FRO itself cannot reduce your support obligation. You must return to court to request a modification of the support order based on your changed financial situation.

How Long Does FRO Enforcement Take?

Enforcement typically begins within 2 to 4 weeks of a missed payment, though timelines vary based on the type of action and the payor’s responsiveness.

Here’s a general timeline for common enforcement scenarios:

For missed payments:

• Week 1-2: FRO sends first notice to payor about missed payment
• Week 3-4: FRO may initiate wage garnishment process if payment not received
• Week 6-8: Employer begins deducting payments (if garnishment proceeds)

For ongoing non-payment:

• Month 2-3: License suspension warning letters sent
• Month 3-4: Driver’s license may be suspended if arrears continue
• Month 6+: Credit bureau reporting, passport suspension for significant arrears

For bank garnishments:

• Immediate to 2 weeks: Can happen quickly once FRO identifies bank account

These timelines assume the FRO has accurate information about the payor’s employment and assets. If the payor is self-employed, frequently changes jobs, or hides assets, enforcement becomes more difficult and takes longer.

The FRO prioritizes cases based on the amount of arrears, the length of non-payment, and the recipient’s financial vulnerability. Cases involving significant arrears or complete non-payment move faster through the enforcement process.

What affects enforcement speed:

• Accuracy of payor’s contact and employment information
• Payor’s cooperation or attempts to evade
• Complexity of the payor’s income sources
• FRO’s current caseload and resources

If you’re a recipient waiting for enforcement action, contact a family lawyer to understand your enforcement options and whether additional legal action may be necessary to collect your support. A lawyer can also help you determine if the FRO’s enforcement timeline is appropriate for your situation.

Can You Withdraw from the Family Responsibility Office?

Both parties can jointly request withdrawal from the FRO if they both agree to handle support payments privately. However, the FRO must approve the withdrawal request, and they will deny it if there are outstanding arrears or other concerns.

Requirements for FRO withdrawal:

• Both the payor and recipient must sign a written agreement requesting withdrawal
• There can be no outstanding arrears (all past support must be paid in full)
• The FRO must be satisfied that withdrawal is appropriate
• Both parties must understand they’re giving up the FRO’s enforcement protections

To withdraw, both parties complete a FRO withdrawal form and submit it together. The FRO reviews the request and makes a decision based on payment history and the likelihood of future compliance.

The FRO will likely deny withdrawal if:

• Any arrears exist, even small amounts
• There’s a history of missed or late payments
• One party seems pressured into agreeing
• The recipient is on social assistance (Ontario Works or ODSP)

What happens after successful withdrawal:

• The support order remains legally binding
• Payments must be made directly between parties
• No automatic enforcement is available through the FRO
• If problems arise later, either party can re-enroll with the FRO

Many family lawyers advise against withdrawal because it removes the automatic enforcement safety net. If the payor stops paying after withdrawal, the recipient must take separate legal action to enforce the order, which is more costly and time-consuming than FRO enforcement.

Consider carefully: Withdrawal might seem appealing when payments are going smoothly, but circumstances change. Job loss, new relationships, and other life events can affect payment consistency. The FRO’s involvement provides protection during those unpredictable situations.

Does the Family Responsibility Office Charge Fees?

The FRO does not charge recipients any fees for its services. Collection and distribution of support payments is provided at no cost to the person receiving support.

For recipients:

• No enrollment fees
• No monthly service charges
• No fees for enforcement actions
• No cost to access your FRO account online

For payors:

• No fees if payments are made on time and in full
• Administrative fees may apply for certain enforcement actions (NSF charges, default hearing costs)
• Bank fees may occur if your account is garnished

The fee-free structure for recipients is intentional. Ontario’s government recognized that charging fees to people receiving support would reduce the money available for children and families, defeating the purpose of support orders.

Payors should be aware that while the FRO itself doesn’t charge routine processing fees, other costs can arise. For example, if the FRO must garnish your wages, your employer is allowed to charge an administrative fee for processing the garnishment. If you provide NSF payments, standard banking charges apply.

Cost comparison: FRO vs. private enforcement

If you withdraw from the FRO and the payor later stops paying, private enforcement becomes your responsibility. This means:

• Hiring a lawyer ($250-$500+ per hour)
• Filing court motions ($1,000-$5,000+)
• Potentially hiring a private collection agency (keeping 20-40% of collected funds)

The FRO’s free enforcement services represent significant value, especially over the many years that support orders typically remain in effect.

What Should You Do If You Receive an FRO Notice?

Contact a family lawyer and the FRO immediately when you receive a notice. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights, while the FRO can clarify what action is required and discuss potential payment arrangements. Ignoring FRO notices leads to escalated enforcement and additional complications that become harder and more expensive to resolve.

If you’re a payor who received a notice:

1. Read the notice carefully to understand what the FRO is claiming (missed payments, arrears amount, enforcement action planned)
2. Check your records against the FRO’s statement to confirm accuracy
3. Contact the FRO at 1-800-267-4330 to discuss the situation
4. Make arrangements to pay arrears or correct any errors
5. Document everything including payment confirmations and all FRO communications

If you believe the FRO notice contains errors:

• Gather proof of payments (bank statements, cancelled cheques, email confirmations)
• Contact the FRO in writing with copies of your evidence
• Request a review of your account
• Follow up until the error is corrected

If you can’t afford to pay:

The FRO cannot reduce your support obligation, but you have options:

• Return to court to request a support modification based on changed financial circumstances
• Set up a payment arrangement with the FRO to gradually pay down arrears while keeping current payments on track
• Consult a family lawyer to understand your legal options and protect your rights

If you’re a recipient checking on enforcement:

• Contact the FRO to ask about enforcement steps taken in your case
• Request an account statement showing payment history and arrears
• Inquire about next enforcement actions planned
• Update the FRO if you have new information about the payor’s employment or assets

What not to do:

• Don’t ignore FRO notices hoping they’ll go away
• Don’t make private arrangements with your ex-partner without involving the FRO (payments won’t be credited to your FRO account)
• Don’t wait until your license is suspended to address arrears

The FRO operates on a large scale and sometimes makes mistakes. If you receive a notice you believe is incorrect, responding quickly and professionally with documentation gives you the best chance of resolving the issue before enforcement escalates.

Understanding Your Rights With the Family Responsibility Office

The Family Responsibility Office is Ontario’s enforcement agency for child and spousal support payments, collecting from payors and distributing to recipients while creating a clear payment trail. Most support orders issued after 1997 require FRO involvement. The FRO has strong enforcement powers including wage garnishment, license suspension, and passport denial, but these measures escalate gradually rather than happening immediately.

If you receive an FRO notice, respond quickly by contacting both a family lawyer and the FRO. The FRO operates on a large scale and sometimes makes mistakes, but ignoring notices only leads to escalated enforcement and additional complications. Whether you’re paying or receiving support, understanding how the FRO works helps you navigate the system more effectively.

Get Legal Help With Family Responsibility Office Matters

Dealing with the FRO can be complex, especially if you’re facing enforcement actions, need to modify your support order, or believe the FRO’s records contain errors. While the FRO handles collection and enforcement, they cannot provide legal advice or change support amounts. Consulting with a family lawyer helps you understand your options and protect your rights.

Common situations where legal help is essential include facing license suspension, planning to withdraw from the FRO, needing support modification due to income changes, or disputing the FRO’s payment records. Contact Krol & Krol for more information about the FRO and family law support issues.

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FAQs About the Family Responsibility Office