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BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)

Last updated on September 19, 2025

About the BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) 

The BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) provides a free service for families in British Columbia who are eligible to receive or pay family support.  

BCFMA supports and services make families stronger. They help families achieve their full potential and secure the best possible future for their children.  

By putting people first, BCFMA ensures people receive the support payments they are entitled to receive. This contributes to financial stability and security for B.C. families.

BCFMA works directly with the Government of B.C. to support these goals:  

  • Increasing access to justice 
  • Reducing child poverty 
  • Delivering services to citizens in a customer-focused way  

BCFMA has built a foundation for services that is predictable, sustainable and able to change and expand as required.

BCFMA will: 

  • Collect the amounts owing under a support order or agreement, including any arrears and special or extraordinary expenses from the payor (the person paying support) 
  • Calculate arrears, record and forward payments to the recipient (the person receiving support) 
  • Take steps, if necessary, to try to ensure the person who is supposed to pay support makes the required payments

For more information, please visit on the BC Family Maintenance Agency website.

Access free family justice services in person or virtually at Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres.

  • Staff across B.C. can help you understand your options during separation or divorce. They can talk with you and assess your needs, and provide information about:
    • Parenting arrangements
    • Guardianship
    • Child and spousal support
    • Contact with a child
    • Property division respecting a companion animal 
  • To find the location nearest you, see the list of Family Justice Centre locations

Take a free Parenting After Separation course.

Find more family law information and legal help:

In a joint divorce, you and your spouse apply together for a simple, uncontested divorce. You both agree on all family law issues that affect your family and only need to apply for a divorce order.

Apply for a joint divorce

B.C. has a central authority that helps parents when someone takes their children to another country without permission. For details and contact information visit the International child abduction page.