News release

Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act Proclaimed

Justice

Nova Scotia is helping ensure that people get their court-ordered support payments, even if they happen to live somewhere else.

The Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act allows out of province maintenance recipients to apply directly for support orders in Nova Scotia.

The act, which went into effect on April 1, is part of a national effort to streamline the process for obtaining, varying and enforcing support orders across provincial boundaries.

"Provincial boundaries should never hamper a child's welfare," said Justice Minister Jamie Muir. "Having a uniform approach across the country simply makes sense, it's an extremely positive step."

The legislation also makes it easier to vary and enforce orders across jurisdictions. That means there will no longer be a need for a provisional hearing, which can involve a number of court proceedings, before a final order is issued.

In 2001, all provincial premiers agreed to bring the legislation forward in order to make reciprocal process simpler and more effective.