Toronto Family Responsibility Office

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Toronto Family Responsibility Office

Toronto Family Responsibility Office

Toronto Family Responsibility Office (FRO) and Enforcement of Child Support

The Toronto Family Responsibility Office (FRO)

The FRO is a provincial government agency that oversees child support and spousal support payments in Ontario, Canada. Their primary function is to ensure children receive the financial support they need from their non-custodial parent(s).

Enforcement of Child Support

  • Registration: The first step is to register a child support order with the FRO. This can be done if you have a court order for child support or a domestic contract outlining child support provisions.
  • Payment Options: The FRO acts as an intermediary for child support payments. Support payers can make payments through various methods, including wage garnishment, credit card, debit card, or online banking.
  • Collections and Arrears: If a support payer falls behind on payments, the FRO has the authority to take various enforcement actions, including:
    • Intercepting tax refunds or Employment Insurance benefits.
    • Restricting renewal of driver’s licenses or passports.
    • Reporting defaults to credit bureaus.
  • Custody and Access: While child support focuses on financial support, the FRO does not handle child custody or access arrangements. These matters are typically dealt with through the court system.

Contacting the Toronto FRO

  • Website: The FRO website provides valuable information on child support enforcement, including forms, FAQs, and contact details. 
  • Phone:
    • Toronto: 416-326-1817
    • Toll-free: 1-800-267-4330 or 1-866-545-0083 (TTY)

it’s always recommended to check the FRO website for the latest information on any potential changes or announcements.

Additional Considerations

  • The FRO cannot increase or decrease child support amounts. Any modifications to child support must be done through a court order or a variation agreement registered with the FRO.
  • The FRO offers various resources and support services to both parents involved in child support agreements.

By understanding the role of the Toronto FRO and their services, you can ensure a smoother process for enforcing child support arrangements.