More topics

What kind of action can the BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) take to collect payments?

Last updated on December 17, 2025

Federal and provincial laws allow the BC Family Maintenance Agency to take a variety of collection actions when payors fall behind. The specific actions depend on how much money is owed and the payor’s current situation.

Many payors will never fall behind and collection actions will not be necessary.

Learn more about possible collection actions the BC Family Maintenance Agency may take.

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
  • See Family Justice Centre and Justice Access Centre locations to find the nearest location

Take a free Parenting After Separation course.

Find more family law information and legal help:

  • Visit Clicklaw for practical legal information and organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services in B.C.
  • Visit the Justice Education Society’s Family Law in BC website for information on Separation and Divorce and other family law issues
  • Contact the BC Legal Referral Service (formerly the Lawyer Referral Service) to consult a lawyer for free

Visit Legal Aid BC which offers free legal help for B.C. residents

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.