How to change a family court order in Ontario

This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.

1. A final order stays in force until it is changed

   Stopping support or changing the schedule on your own can create arrears or a contempt problem. The court changes the order. You do not.

2. You usually need a material change in circumstances

   Loss of a job, a new parenting reality, or a child turning an age that matters can qualify. Wanting a do-over of the old trial usually does not.

3. Use Form 15 Motion to Change

   That is the Family Law Rules form for changing a final family order. File the old order, a financial statement if support is in issue, and the evidence of the change. Form 15B is how the other party responds.

4. If you were served with Form 15

   File Form 15B and your financial statement. Diary any motion date and Form 14C if a hearing is set.

5. Consent changes still need a proper court paper

   Form 15C or 15D may apply when both sides agree. A text message agreement is not an order.

Official law on this site: family-law.

Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text and the official form page linked from this guide before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.