Limit the collection of your support payments

Apply to stop some collection actions by the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) for your child, spousal and partner support.

Overview

A stay of enforcement is a court order that can:

  • stop MEP from taking further collection actions against you
  • stop or change the amount of wages that MEP garnishes
  • last a maximum of 3 months
  • be extended for another 3 months

A stay of enforcement can’t:

  • stop the federal government’s collection actions, such as garnishing your employment insurance or tax refund
  • get your driver’s license back if MEP has suspended it
  • end your monthly payment responsibilities

Apply for a stay of enforcement

Step 1. Gather your documents

  • complete tax return from the past 3 years
  • Notice of Assessment – a tax status form – from the past 3 years
  • pay stubs or other proof of income for this tax year
  • list of all your assets and debts
  • list of all your monthly expenses

Step 2. Fill out the form

If you don’t want to change your support payments:

Fill out the Application for Stay of Enforcement form (0.2 MB).

If you want to change your child support payments:

  1. Fill out the Application for Stay of Enforcement form (0.2 MB).
  2. Fill out the forms to change your payments.

If you want to change your spousal / partner support payments:

  1. Fill out the Application for Stay of Enforcement form (0.2 MB).
  2. Fill out the forms to change your payments.

Step 3. Submit the forms

Bring your forms to the same court, in the same location, where you’ve either:

  • already been to court with the other parent
  • started any court action that hasn’t gone to court

If you haven’t done either of these things, file your application at any court in Alberta.