Justice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions:

How do I contact the MEP?

Please contact MEP for more information.

Please include your name, file number and PIN or signature in all communication to MEP. If you do not know your PIN, please provide other identifying information (for example: the last 3 digits of your SIN, and your date of birth).

I want MEP to contact me through email or fax

Complete and send us a Fax and Email Authorization

The completed form can be returned to us by:

I’ve moved. How do I update my address?

You can email, fax or mail your updated information:

What if I don’t have a court order or agreement?

There are various options and resources available. More information is available on the Family Resolution Service website.

How do we change the amount of support MEP is enforcing?

How do we stop a support order or agreement?

You may wish to consult with legal counsel to stop your current support order or agreement. More information is available on the Family Law Manitoba’s Legal Support webpage.

How long do children remain eligible for enforcement of child support?

An adult child remains eligible for enforcement of support if they are unable to live independently. More information is available on the Child Support Enforcement Eligibility webpage.

What are late payment penalties?

When a support payor does not pay support to MEP by the due date, a late payment penalty may be charged to the support payor on the amount owing. This penalty is owed to the support recipient. More information is available on the Late Payment Penalties webpage.

Can I bring my MEP Statutory Declaration to be witnessed at the office?

Yes, MEP has a Commissioner for Oaths, Notaries Public and Deputy Registrars who can witness your Statutory Declaration free of charge.

Support Recipient FAQs:

How do I register with MEP?

Please go to the How to Register webpage for information and the required forms.

How do I register an agreement with MEP?

An original or notarized copy of the agreement and a completed Statutory Declaration - Separation Agreement is required with the registration package. More information and the required forms are available on the How to Register webpage.

What happens if the support payor lives outside of Manitoba?

Please see the What if a Party Lives Outside of Manitoba webpage.

Can I register even if there are no problems receiving payments?

Yes.

How do I receive payments from MEP?

The fastest and most secure form of payment is through direct deposit. More information is available on the Information for Support Recipients webpage.

How do I update my direct deposit information?

Provide an updated Direct Deposit form. Please allow for processing time and do not close your current account until a payment is received in your new account, or you receive confirmation that your information has been updated. More information and the form is available on the Information for Support Recipients webpage.

I received a payment directly from the support payor. How do I let MEP know?

Direct payments can be reported by phone, email, fax or mail. More information is available on the Information for Support Recipients webpage.

Will I receive my payments on the due date?

No. If funds are available they will be released on the due date but because of processing times you will not receive the payment on the due date. Please see the Information for Support Recipients section for more information.

What happens if the support payor does not make the payments?

MEP may take enforcement actions if a support payor does not make payments on time. More information is available on the Information for Support Payors webpage.

What happens when my child turns 18 years old?

MEP may continue to enforce support for a child over 18. Please see the Child Support Enforcement Eligibility section for more information and forms.

Can I opt out of the collection of late payment penalties?

Yes, in most circumstances. Please see the Late Payment Penalties section for more information and forms.

Can I opt out of MEP?

Yes, in most circumstances. You also have the option of reducing the arrears or opting out of the arrears or ongoing. Please see the Opting Out/ partial opt out of MEP section for more information and forms.

Can I choose to have MEP to enforce part of the order?

Yes. Contact MEP for more information.

Support Payor FAQs:

Can I register with MEP?

Either party may register an agreement, however, only a support recipient can register a court order. More information and the required forms are available on the How to Register webpage.

How do I make payments to MEP?

Please see the Information for Support Payors webpage.

How do I report a payment made directly to the support recipient?

Please see the Direct payments to the support recipient section.

How do I update my pre-authorized debit information?

Provide an updated Pre-Authorized Debit form. Changes must be received by MEP at least five (5) business days before the next scheduled debit (withdrawal) to allow for processing. More information is available on the Information for Support Payors webpage.

What happens if payments are not made?

Please see the Information for Support Payors webpage, and the Enforcement Actions section.

What are cost recovery fees?

Please see the Information for Support Payors webpage, and the Cost Recovery Fees section.

How do I get enforcement removed?

Please see the Information for Support Payors webpage, and the Enforcement Actions section.

Do I still need to pay support for my adult child?

MEP may continue to enforce support for a child over 18. Please see the Child Support Enforcement Eligibility webpage.

Can I suspend enforcement of my support payments if my circumstances or my child’s circumstances have changed?

Yes, in some situations. Please see the Administrative Suspension of Enforcement webpage.

What happens if the support recipient lives outside of Manitoba?

Please see the What if a Party Lives Outside Manitoba webpage.

Can I pay my arrears over time?

Yes, in most circumstances. Please see the Information for Support Payors webpage, and the Payment arrangement section.

I have received a Notice to Appear, what do I do now?

You are required to appear as set out in the notice. Contact MEP for more information.

I have been served with a Summons to appear in court, what do I do now?

You are required to appear at the time and place as noted in the summons. If you do not attend court as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Contact MEP for more information.

If you are an employer or financial institution and have been served with a support deduction notice, please see the Information for Employers and Financial Institutions (Income Sources) section. Information and FAQs for employers is also available here.