When one party lives in Nova Scotia and the other lives elsewhere, support can require an interjurisdictional process rather than an ordinary local application. Nova Scotia's Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act and the federal Divorce Act provide related but distinct routes. ISO processes concern support, not parenting arrangements.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
NS ISO
Nova Scotia's provincial ISO process can establish, vary or enforce support where the parties live in different reciprocating jurisdictions.
- new support application
- variation
- reciprocating jurisdiction
Divorce Act ISO
The federal Divorce Act provides an interjurisdictional support process for qualifying former spouses.
- sections 18 to 19.1
- incoming applications
- outgoing applications
Reciprocating jurisdictions
Whether an international order can use the ISO framework depends in part on reciprocal arrangements.
- Canadian provinces and territories
- foreign reciprocating jurisdictions
- designated authorities
Registration and enforcement
Existing support orders from outside Nova Scotia may need registration or transmission before enforcement.
- Canadian orders
- foreign orders
- Maintenance Enforcement Program
Forms and evidence
ISO proceedings are heavily forms-based and require accurate information about the parties, existing orders and requested relief.
- Form A applications
- financial information
- locate information
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Family Law — What is ISO?
- Nova Scotia Family Law — ISO Information
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Outside Orders