Can You Change Your Child Support Payments?
Life changes—so do incomes, expenses, and family situations. If you’re paying or receiving child support, you may wonder:
🤔 Can I increase or decrease child support if my financial situation changes?
🤔 What if my ex got a big raise—should I be getting more?
🤔 What if I lost my job and can’t afford the payments anymore?
The good news? Child support orders aren’t set in stone. If there’s been a significant change in your financial or family circumstances, you can file a motion to change child support in Ontario.
This guide will explain:
✅ When and why you can request a change in child support
✅ The legal steps to file a motion to change child support
✅ How to increase or reduce payments based on new circumstances
✅ What to do if your ex refuses to provide financial information
✅ How to enforce a court order if someone isn’t paying
(By the way, this is an informational article from Key Family Law, your trusted Ontario family law experts.)
When Can You File a Motion to Change Child Support?
You can apply to change child support payments if there’s been a “material change in circumstances.” This means something significant has changed since the original order was made.
Common Reasons to Request a Child Support Change
📌 The paying parent’s income has increased or decreased (e.g., job loss, promotion, new business).
📌 The receiving parent’s income has changed (e.g., higher earnings may reduce the need for support).
📌 The child’s needs have changed (e.g., higher school expenses, medical costs).
📌 The child is now over 18 and financially independent (support may need to end).
📌 The child is still in school and requires extended support (e.g., attending university full-time).
📌 A new parenting arrangement is in place (e.g., the child now lives with the paying parent).
📌 The original court order was based on incorrect financial information (e.g., hidden income).
💡 Key Tip: You can’t request a change just because you feel the amount is unfair. There must be a significant reason that affects the child’s financial needs or the paying parent’s ability to provide support.
How to File a Motion to Change Child Support in Ontario
If you and the other parent agree to the change, the process is simple. If not, you’ll need to go to court. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Try to Reach an Agreement First
Before heading to court, it’s best to try to negotiate a new agreement with the other parent.
✔ Discuss the changes and try to agree on a new amount.
✔ If you agree, put it in writing and submit it to the court for approval.
✔ If the court approves, the new amount becomes legally binding.
💡 Key Tip: Even if you and your ex agree, it’s smart to get legal advice to make sure the changes are fair and legally enforceable.
2️⃣ Gather Your Financial Documents
If you’re asking the court to change child support, you’ll need proof of the changes. This includes:
📌 Recent pay stubs or employment records
📌 Income tax returns (last 3 years)
📌 Notice of Assessment from the CRA
📌 Proof of new expenses (e.g., tuition, medical costs)
📌 Evidence of job loss or income reduction (if applicable)
3️⃣ Complete the Required Forms
To file a motion to change child support, you’ll need to fill out these court forms:
📌 Form 15: Motion to Change – This explains what changes you’re requesting and why.
📌 Form 15A: Change Information Form – Provides financial details supporting your request.
📌 Financial Statement (Form 13 or 13.1) – Required if you’re asking for a change in child support based on income changes.
4️⃣ File Your Motion in Court
Once your forms are complete:
1️⃣ Make three copies of all documents.
2️⃣ File them at the Family Court where your original child support order was made.
3️⃣ Pay the filing fee (varies by court but is usually around $160).
💡 Key Tip: If you’re struggling financially, you can apply for a fee waiver to avoid court costs.
5️⃣ Serve the Other Parent
After filing, you must legally serve the other parent with the motion documents. You can’t do this yourself—it must be done by:
✔ A process server
✔ A friend or relative over 18
✔ By mail or courier with proof of delivery
The other parent then has 30 days to respond.
6️⃣ Attend a Court Hearing (If Needed)
If the other parent agrees, the court will likely approve the change without a hearing.
If they disagree, you’ll need to attend court, where a judge will:
✔ Review financial documents from both sides
✔ Consider the child’s best interests
✔ Decide whether to approve, deny, or modify your request
💡 Key Tip: Having a family lawyer can increase your chances of success, especially if the other parent is contesting the change.
What If the Other Parent Refuses to Provide Financial Information?
If the paying parent is hiding income or refusing to provide tax returns, you can ask the court to:
✔ Order them to disclose their financial records
✔ Use income estimates based on their lifestyle or spending
✔ Impose penalties for failure to comply
Courts take financial transparency seriously—so if your ex is hiding assets, a lawyer can help you take legal action.
What If a Parent Stops Paying Child Support?
If a parent refuses to pay child support, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) can enforce payments by:
❌ Garnishing wages
❌ Seizing tax refunds
❌ Freezing bank accounts
❌ Suspending driver’s licenses or passports
If your ex isn’t paying, Key Family Law can help you enforce your court order.
Final Thoughts: How to Change Child Support Payments in Ontario
📌 You can request a change if:
✔ The paying parent’s income has increased or decreased
✔ The child’s needs have changed (e.g., post-secondary education)
✔ The parenting arrangement has changed
📌 Steps to change child support:
✔ Try to agree with the other parent first
✔ Gather financial evidence to support your claim
✔ File a motion to change in court
✔ Attend a hearing if necessary
📞 Need help adjusting child support? Key Family Law can guide you through the process, whether you need to increase, reduce, or enforce payments.