It is the responsibility of the debtor to make support payments. MEP has no authority to take collection action against new spouses to cover maintenance payments.

However, MEP does have the authority to collect funds held in joint bank accounts and may take up to 50% of an account that the debtor shares with one other person. MEP also has the authority under the Maintenance Enforcement Act to ask the court to allow seizure of property held by a third person (such as a new spouse or family member) or company. The court may permit seizure if it finds that these assets actually belong to the debtor and are being sheltered by the third person or company. If the assets belong to the debtor, MEP will take action to secure them for arrears and ongoing support payments.