Gov’t strengthening family maintenance enforcement

Ex-spouses who fail to live up to their family maintenance obligations could more quickly lose their drivers licences under a legislative amendment introduced this week in the provincial legislature.

If the amendment passes, licences for those with more than $3,000 in arrears could be pulled immediately rather than being denied only at the time of renewal, as is currently the case.

The decision would continue to be made by the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, which would then instruct the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to make the move.

The idea is to “improve the effectiveness of child and spousal support enforcement” and encourage “negotiation to resolve payment arrangements,” the Ministry of Attorney General said in a bulletin.

As well, a second legislative amendment was introduced that would replace a requirement to file the entirety of an order or agreement in the Land Titles Registry with a simplified requirement to submit pertinent information only.

“This change will streamline processes and help prevent the unnecessary public disclosure of sensitive information,” the Ministry of Attorney General said.

Federal and provincial laws already give FMEP the authority to take a number of actions against persons with substantial arrears, including passport-application denial and intercepting funds owing to the person, such as tax refunds and employment insurance benefits.

Each case is evaluated individually and action taken depends on the person’s history, how much money the person owes, and other aspects of the person’s current situation.

Enforcement actions are chosen based on the best chance of success.

The changes are expected to take effect within 60 to 90 days, should the legislation pass.