When life changes, so can your court orders — especially when it comes to child support. In Toronto, and across Ontario, a parent can bring a Motion to Change an existing court order for child support if there has been a material change in circumstances. Whether you are paying support or receiving it, Legal Solutions Law Firm in Toronto can help guide you through this legal process and ensure your rights and obligations are fairly represented.

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What Is a Motion to Change?

A Motion to Change is a formal legal request to the court to change an existing order or agreement that has already been filed with the court. In the context of child support, this may involve increasing, decreasing, or even terminating the child support payments originally ordered.
Changes to a child support order must be made through the court unless both parents agree to the changes and file that agreement with the court. This ensures the support arrangements remain legally enforceable.

When Can You Bring a Motion to Change?

You can bring a Motion to Change a child support order when there has been a “material change in circumstances.” This means something significant has changed since the original order or agreement was made. Some common examples include:

• Loss of employment or significant reduction in income
• Increase in income
• A change in the child’s living arrangements
• The child has turned 18 and is no longer in school full-time
• Additional special expenses (e.g., medical costs, tutoring)
• The discovery of incorrect financial information in the original order

It’s important to act quickly when these changes occur. Waiting too long can result in unpaid arrears or missed opportunities to fairly adjust the support amounts.

How to File a Motion to Change in Toronto

Filing a Motion to Change involves several steps, and the process can vary depending on whether the other parent agrees to the change or not.

1. Prepare the Paperwork

You’ll need to complete and file several forms, including:

• Form 15: Motion to Change
• Form 15A: Change Information Form
• Form 13 or 13.1: Financial Statement (if the motion involves financial matters)

The forms must clearly outline what you want changed and why.

2. Serve the Other Parent

Once filed, the documents must be legally served to the other parent. This gives them notice and a chance to respond. They may agree, oppose, or propose their own changes.

3. Case Conference and Hearing

If the motion is contested, the matter may go to a case conference — a meeting with a judge to try to resolve the dispute without a formal hearing. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a motion hearing where a judge will make the final decision.

Why Legal Support Matters

Filing a Motion to Change can be complex, especially if the other parent contests the changes. That’s why working with an experienced family law firm like Legal Solutions Law Firm in Toronto is critical.
Legal Solutions Law Firm helps clients understand their legal rights, prepare strong financial documentation, and present compelling arguments in court. Their family law team can also:

• Assist in gathering evidence to show a material change in circumstances
• Calculate accurate child support based on updated income and the Child Support Guidelines
• Advocate for your interests during negotiations, conferences, or court hearings
• Respond to a motion if you have been served with one by the other parent

Whether you’re seeking to modify support because of financial hardship, or you believe your child deserves more support due to new expenses, Legal Solutions Law Firm ensures the legal process works in your favour.

What Happens After the Order Is Changed?

Once the court makes a new child support order, it replaces the original one. This new order is enforceable through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) in Ontario, which collects, distributes, and enforces child support payments.

If the change involves a retroactive adjustment — such as a support reduction going back several months — the court may also adjust any arrears accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes people make when trying to change a support order without legal guidance:

• Relying on a verbal agreement with the other parent without filing it with the court
• Failing to provide full financial disclosure
• Not acting promptly after a material change
• Misunderstanding the Child Support Guidelines

Each of these mistakes can lead to enforcement actions, unpaid arrears, or even court penalties. Legal Solutions Law Firm ensures you follow the correct legal path to protect your financial future.

Legal Solutions Law Firm: Your Partner in Family Law

At Legal Solutions Law Firm in Toronto, we understand the emotional and financial stress that family law issues can bring. Our experienced family lawyers are committed to helping you navigate child support matters with compassion, strategy, and professionalism.
Whether you are seeking to modify a support order or defending against an unfair motion, our team provides sound legal advice and representation tailored to your unique situation. We fight for what is fair and work toward outcomes that are in the best interests of you and your children.

If you are considering filing a Motion to Change a child support order in Toronto, don’t go through it alone. Contact Legal Solutions Law Firm today to book a consultation and get the expert guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

Request a free, no-obligation consultation with Legal Solutions Law Firm to discuss your specific legal issues by filling out the form below.