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I don't know where my former spouse is living. Can the BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) help?

Last updated on September 19, 2025

The BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) will request a search for up-to-date information on a payor from the Locate Services program. This may include information about the payor’s location, employment, and assets. Various federal and provincial computer databases are used for the search.

BCFMA cannot guarantee that the payor will be located. The following information may assist the search:

  • The kind of work the payor usually does
  • Their social insurance number
  • Their birth date
  • Their mother's maiden name

 

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.