Family Responsibility Office (FRO) & Default Hearings

What Does FRO do in Ontario?

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) plays a crucial role in Ontario’s provincial government by helping families secure the financial support they are legally entitled to. FRO is responsible for collecting, enforcing, and distributing both child and spousal support payments. By ensuring court-ordered support is enforced, FRO helps maintain financial stability and security for families who rely on these funds. This system upholds the rights of recipients and holds payors accountable, emphasizing the importance of familial responsibilities.

At Agha Law, we assist individuals who can no longer meet their monthly support obligations by petitioning the court to revisit and modify their existing support orders, a process known as a “motion to change.”

Many individuals are unaware that they might qualify to have their support obligations reduced by the court. Consequently, some may fall into arrears, facing severe consequences, including potential jail time.

Our firm frequently represents clients who have fallen behind on their payments with FRO. We communicate with FRO on your behalf and negotiate payment plans that are manageable for you. Additionally, we help clients who are at risk of having their driver’s licenses suspended by FRO.

What Are Default Hearings in Ontario?

Default hearings in Ontario address situations where individuals have fallen behind on their court-ordered support payments. These hearings are conducted before a judge and require the individual in default to explain their inability to keep up with payments. While legal representation is not mandatory at a default hearing, having a lawyer can be advantageous due to the complexities involved. Outcomes can range from adjusted payment plans to enforcement actions, all aiming to secure the financial welfare of those dependent on the support payments. This process underscores the importance of compliance with court-ordered financial responsibilities.

When a support payor repeatedly fails to make their monthly support payments, FRO may initiate a Default Hearing. At this hearing, the court can order that if arrears are not paid in full, the support payor may face jail time. Given the serious consequences and time-sensitive nature of these matters, it is crucial to seek legal advice immediately if you have fallen into arrears.

Grandparents

A relationship between a grandparent and a child, like all relationships between a child and extended family, significantly contributes to the child’s emotional well-being. Understanding how each generation plays a part in creating security and spreading love can profoundly benefit a child.

However, disruptions such as parental separation or conflicts between parents and grandparents can lead to decisions that harm this positive relationship.

Grandparent’s Rights in Ontario

In Ontario, grandparents’ rights are governed by the child’s best interests. While grandparents do not have an inherent right to parenting time, they often play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives and can apply for a parenting time order in court, particularly in cases of familial disputes. The court considers various factors, including the child’s physical and emotional well-being, the pre-existing relationship between the grandparent and grandchild, the grandchild’s wishes, and any potential disruption to the child’s life. These laws aim to prioritize the child’s welfare, and each case is individually assessed, making professional legal advice essential.

Can Grandparents Obtain Decision-Making Responsibility For Grandchildrens in Ontario?

Grandparents in Ontario can seek decision-making responsibility for their grandchildren. Although parental rights are typically prioritized, grandparents can apply for an order concerning the child’s decision-making responsibilities or parenting time. They must demonstrate that their involvement serves the child’s best interests, as guided by Ontario Family Law. Considerations include the emotional bond between the child and grandparent, the grandparent’s ability to care for the child, and the child’s views and preferences based on their age and maturity. Each case is unique, and professional legal counsel is crucial in navigating this process.

The responsibility to foster a relationship between a child and their grandparents lies with the parents. Courts may intervene to protect an existing positive relationship between a child and a grandparent if it has been disrupted. However, the court will not create a relationship that does not already exist, nor will it override parents’ decisions made in the child’s best interests to stop a relationship.

At Agha Law, we regularly assist grandparents in maintaining their positive relationships with their grandchildren and support parents in responding to requests from grandparents when they have made the right decision to suspend contact. Please contact us if you need assistance with any grandparent-related matters.