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Can the BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) help if one of us lives outside British Columbia?

Last updated on September 19, 2025

It doesn't matter if the payor or recipient lives outside of B.C. As long as support orders or agreements are enrolled with the BC Family Maintenance Agency, they can still be administered.

British Columbia has arrangements with:

  • All Canadian provinces and territories
  • The United States
  • Several other countries

Having an arrangement means the other province, territory, state, or country can take collection action on BCFMA’s behalf. It also means that BCFMA can take collection action on their behalf.

If additional collection steps are necessary, the other province, territory, state or country will take action. The action will depend on their laws and collection methods. BCFMA cannot tell another program what action to take or when to take it.

BCFMA’s available actions are limited if the payor lives in a country where B.C. does not have an arrangement. In that case, BCFMA can only take collection action if the payor has:

  • Income or assets remaining in Canada
  • A Canadian passport, or marine or aviation licence

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.