MEP – Am I eligible

Requirements

To register with MEP, there are 2 requirements:

• either the payor or recipient must live in Alberta
• the payor and recipient must have one of these filed documents which sets an enforceable amount of support payable for a child, spouse or adult interdependent partner:
  • Maintenance order or
  • Maintenance agreement

The MEP can enforce maintenance obligations awarded in:

• orders granted in Alberta, Canada, and some foreign courts where Alberta has a reciprocal enforcement agreement
• specific types of support agreements such as agreements made under the Income and Employment Supports Act and the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act
• Maintenance Enforcement Support Agreements, if they meet the requirements of the Maintenance Enforcement Regulation and are filed with the Court of King’s Bench
• recalculation decisions from the Alberta Child Support Recalculation Program, as well as from any other jurisdiction (Canadian or foreign) that has a reciprocal agreement with the MEP

If you live outside Alberta, you should register with the enforcement program where you live.

Unenforceable documents

MEP cannot enforce maintenance terms that are not in a court order or an eligible agreement. Unenforceable documents include, but are not limited to:

• Reasons for Judgment
• Endorsements
• Arbitration Awards (even if filed in court)
• Minutes of Settlement
• Separation Agreements.

Getting a maintenance order

We recommend consulting with a lawyer to assist you with the maintenance order. If you don’t have a lawyer, see Court and Justice Services for more information. 

• Use the Alberta Family Resolution Hub tool to guide you.
• Family court counsellors in various locations in Alberta can provide help.

Getting a maintenance agreement

There are 2 ways:

• Through Alberta’s Income Support Program, see Child Support Services for eligibility requirements; or
• By completing the Maintenance Enforcement Support Agreement form, see the form Instructions for eligibility requirements

Contact

Connect with the Maintenance Enforcement Program.