Filing Separation Agreement with FRO: What You Need to Know
If you`re going through a separation or divorce in Ontario, it`s important to understand the role of the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) in enforcing child support and spousal support payments. Filing a separation agreement with FRO can provide added security and peace of mind for both parties involved.
What is FRO?
The Family Responsibility Office is a government agency that collects, distributes, and enforces support payments for parents and spouses in Ontario. If a support payer fails to make payments, FRO can take enforcement actions such as garnishing wages, suspending driver`s licenses, and seizing assets.
Why File a Separation Agreement with FRO?
When a separating couple creates a separation agreement that includes support payments, they can choose to file it with FRO for enforcement purposes. This is not a mandatory step, but it is highly recommended. Here are some of the benefits of filing a separation agreement with FRO:
1. Reliable Payments: Filing your separation agreement with FRO ensures that payments are made on time and in full. FRO will automatically collect payments from the support payer and distribute them to the recipient.
2. Enforceable: If the support payer fails to make payments, FRO has the authority to take enforcement actions as needed, without the need for legal action by the recipient.
3. Record Keeping: FRO maintains a record of all support payments made and received, which can be helpful for tax and accounting purposes.
4. Cost-Effective: Filing a separation agreement with FRO is a cost-effective way to ensure that support payments are made and enforced, without the need for expensive legal action.
How to File a Separation Agreement with FRO
To file your separation agreement with FRO, both parties must complete and sign a Consent to Disclosure of Information form. This form allows FRO to obtain information about the support payer`s income, employment, and assets. The form must be signed in the presence of a commissioner of oaths or a lawyer.
Once the form is complete, it can be submitted to FRO along with a copy of the separation agreement. FRO will then confirm the agreement`s terms with both parties and begin enforcing support payments.
In conclusion, filing a separation agreement with FRO can provide added security and peace of mind for both parties involved in a separation or divorce. It ensures that support payments are made on time and in full, and provides an enforceable agreement in case of non-payment. If you`re going through a separation, consider filing your agreement with FRO for added protection.