This paper examines the Maintenance Enforcement Program [MEP] and the Child Support Recalculation Program [RP] in Alberta. In the context of MEP, the paper discusses payment arrangements, driver’s licence actions, consequences of default, administrative reductions, and stay of enforcement proceedings. In addition, the procedure for serving maintenance-related applications and new orders on MEP is also reviewed. In the context of RP, using income information and anniversary dates, dealing with self-employed payors, and objecting to a recalculation decision are highlighted. As well, the recommended procedure for advising RP of child support variation applications and orders is also discussed. The paper includes, as appendices, a number of helpful information sheets on topics including payment arrangements, self-employment, and inability to make support payments. It also includes a summary table of helpful hints for lawyers dealing with MEP and RP, as well as a maintenance enforcement support agreement precedent.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law During Recessionary Times program in Calgary on October 4, 2017 and in Edmonton on October 11, 2017.