The Motion to Change: How to Update a Support Order in Ontario
A step-by-step guide to filing Form 15, navigating the Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) process, and securing a new court order.
Legal Review: This procedural guide was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer, to ensure accuracy with the Family Law Rules regarding Variations (2026).
What is a Motion to Change?
A Motion to Change is the specific legal process used to vary (update) a Final Court Order or filed Separation Agreement. In Ontario, you must file Form 15. You cannot simply stop paying or pay less because your income dropped; you must obtain a new Court Order. If both parties agree, you can file a 'Motion to Change on Consent' (Form 15C) without ever stepping inside a courtroom.
Grounds for Filing
When can you file a Motion to Change? Here are the most common scenarios.
Income Changes
The payor's income has increased (Section 7 sharing changes) or decreased (job loss). Note: The change must be 'Material' and unforeseen.
Child Independence
The child has turned 18, finished school, married, or withdrawn from parental control ('Ceased to be a child of the marriage').
Custody Switch
The child now lives with the payor. The support obligation should reverse.
Ending Enforcement
You need to stop the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) from garnishing your wages because the support obligation has legally ended.
The Two Paths: Easy vs. Hard
Understanding the difference between consent and contested motions.
Consent Motion (Form 15C)
The Fast Track. You and your ex agree on the new amount. We draft the forms, both parties sign, and a judge stamps the order in their office. No hearing required.
Contested Motion (Form 15)
The Litigation Track. Your ex refuses to agree. You must serve them with Form 15. They file a Response (Form 15B). You must attend a Case Conference or DRO hearing to argue your case.
The Timeline of a Motion to Change
Follow these procedural steps to update your support order.
Gather Evidence
You need proof. Recent pay stubs, 3 years of Notices of Assessment, and proof of the child's school enrollment.
File & Serve
Issue Form 15 at the courthouse that made the original order. Serve it on the other party (and the FRO if they are involved).
The First Appearance / DRO
In Toronto/GTA courts, you often meet a Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) first—a senior lawyer appointed to help you settle—before you see a judge.
The Final Order
If the DRO cannot help you settle, the matter proceeds to a judge for a temporary or final decision.
The Quick Version
A Motion to Change is how you legally update a child support order in Ontario. You file Form 15 at the courthouse. If both parties agree, you can use Form 15C (consent) and skip the hearing. If you disagree, you'll attend a DRO meeting or Case Conference. The court will only change the order if there's been a material change in circumstances—like a job loss, income increase, or custody change.
Form 15 FAQs
Common questions about the Motion to Change process.
Yes. If the support is currently enforced by the Family Responsibility Office, you MUST serve the Director of the FRO with your Motion to Change, or the court cannot hear it.
You are allowed to, but Motions to Change are technical. If you mess up the financial calculations or service rules, your case will be dismissed with costs.
If asking for a reduction, the court usually only goes back to the date you gave the other party 'Effective Notice' that your income dropped. Do not wait to file!
Related Financial Services
Explore more resources about child support in Ontario.
Deepa Tailor
Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor is the founder of Tailor Law. She helps clients navigate the procedural complexities of Motions to Change, ensuring accurate income determination and swift resolutions.
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