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Interjurisdictional Support Orders

Last updated on September 19, 2025

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Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act and Divorce Act

British Columbia has arrangements with:

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

An arrangement means the other province, territory, state, or country can take collection action on B.C.’s behalf. It also means that B.C. can take collection action on their behalf.

With an arrangement, the other province, territory, state or country is called the other jurisdiction.

Under B.C.’s Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act (ISO), you can apply to get or change an existing support order in another jurisdiction without having to go there. For example, if one parent lives in B.C. and the other parent lives in Ontario, the parent in B.C. can make an application in B.C. for a new support order. The parent living in Ontario will go to court in that  jurisdiction to respond to the application. The court in the other jurisdiction may make an order that can then be enforced in B.C.

You can do the same under Canada's Divorce Act if the respondent lives in Canada.

The Interjurisdictional Support Services (IJSS) is the designated and central authority in B.C. IJSS sends, receives and administers applications to and from B.C. and other jurisdictions.

The Hague Child Support Convention

The 2007 Hague Convention came into force in B.C. on March 1, 2024. The convention is an international treaty. It allows people to establish, change and enforce support orders when they live in countries that have also adopted the convention.

There are several forms you will need when preparing your application. The forms needed will depend on your situation and where the other person lives. Not all the forms are needed for every application.

More information about IJSS

Visit isoforms.bc.ca or contact IJSS for:

  • More information about the process, including
  • Information about which forms you may need to prepare an application

To contact IJSS, please reach out to:

Interjurisdictional Support Services
Vancouver Main Office Boxes
P.O. Box 2074
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3S3

Phone: 604-660-2528
Toll-free: 1-866-660-2684 

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.