It depends where the support order was made.
If your support order was made in another province or territory in Canada, it is likely it can be enforced in Nova Scotia.
If your support order was made outside of Canada but in a country which has a reciprocal arrangement with Nova Scotia, it can be submitted for registration and enforcement under the Nova Scotia’s Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act (see Part III), or sometimes in very specific circumstances, the Divorce Act (s. 19.1). You can see a list of countries here.
If your support order was made outside of Canada but is not a country on the list, it can be complicated. In these situations, it’s best to consult a lawyer to find out what options you have available and what is in your best interest.
So long as your support order was made in another province or territory within Canada, or in a country listed here – the process will depend on what law your support order was made under.
If your support order was made in Canada under the Divorce Act and is a “corollary relief order” or “final order”, you can submit the support order directly to the courthouse nearest to you. See the Guide to registering an order made under the Divorce Act for more information.
If your support order was made in Canada either under provincial legislation or the Divorce Act (including “interim” or temporary support orders), you can contact the Maintenance Enforcement Program or find more information here.
If your support was made outside of Canada in a country in this list, you can contact the Maintenance Enforcement Program or find more information here.