If you pay or receive child support in Ontario, a job change can affect how much you should be paying or receiving. However, the support amount does not change automatically.
You must take action through the Ontario family court system to modify child support.
This article explains how a job change affects child support, when you can ask the court to change it, and how to do it using the right court forms and steps.
When Can You Change Child Support in Ontario?
Child support in Ontario is based on both parents’ incomes and follows the Child Support Guidelines. If you switch to a job that pays less, or you lose your job, your income changes. If you now make more or less than before, the court may allow a change in your support payments.
Even if you and the other parent agree to new terms, that agreement is not legally binding until it is approved by the court. A verbal or written agreement alone is not enough.
What Qualifies as a “Material Change” for Child Support in Ontario?
To recalculate support or change an existing court order, you must show a significant change in your financial situation. The Ontario court calls this a “material change in circumstances.”
Here are examples of valid reasons:
- Lost job child support: You lost your job through no fault of your own
- Job change support: Your new job pays much less
- Change in income: Your hours were reduced or your business earnings dropped
- Lower income payments: You can no longer afford the current support payments
- Increase child support: You or the other parent started earning significantly more
- Support after layoff: You were laid off and are receiving employment insurance
- Change in child’s needs: Such as new medical or education expenses
If you are unemployed because you quit or were fired for misconduct, the court may not agree to reduce support payments.
Steps to Legally Change a Child Support Order in Ontario
To change child support in Ontario, you need to file the correct court forms. The process is different depending on whether the other parent agrees or disagrees with the change.
If Both Parents Agree
If you both agree to update child support, follow these steps:
- Complete these forms:
- Form 15D – Both parents must sign to show agreement
- Form 15C – If you are also changing spousal support or custody
- Form 25 – Draft order that the judge will approve
- Make copies: Make five copies of the draft order
- Submit the forms: Mail or deliver to your nearest Ontario family court
- Wait for decision: The judge will review your request. If accepted, the order is changed.
If Parents Do Not Agree
If the other parent does not agree, follow this process to request a change:
- Complete the following forms:
- Form 15 – To request a change
- Form 13A – Certificate of Financial Disclosure
- Form 13 or 13.1 – Based on whether you are claiming only support or support plus property
- Include proof of income:
- Tax returns (last 3 years)
- CRA notices of assessment
- Current pay stubs or EI statements
- Letter of termination or layoff (if unemployed)
- Submit forms: Deliver to your local family court by mail or in person
- Serve the other parent: A third person must serve the documents using:
- Hand delivery
- Mail with Form 6 – Acknowledgement of Service
What Happens After You Request a Child Support Change in Ontario?
Once you submit your application to change child support, the court will do one of the following:
- Approve the request if everything is in order
- Ask for more information
- Schedule a court hearing to hear from both sides
Until the court approves the change, you must keep paying the original amount ordered. If you stop or pay less, it will count as child support arrears. In Ontario, unpaid support builds up and can result in legal action by the Family Responsibility Office (FRO).
How to Use the Child Support Calculator in Ontario (2025 Update)
You can use the Child Support Calculator Ontario 2025 to estimate what your new payments might look like based on your updated income. This tool follows the federal Child Support Guidelines and helps both parents understand what the new amount could be.
However, the final decision is made by a judge. You still need to submit your motion and financial forms to officially modify the support order.
Can Child Support Arrears Be Forgiven in Ontario?
If your income dropped and you missed payments, you may ask the court to reduce or cancel arrears. This is called child support arrears forgiveness in Ontario.
The court rarely forgives all the arrears, but in special cases, like serious illness or long-term unemployment, it may allow partial forgiveness.
You will need to show:
- Proof of reduced income
- Evidence that you tried to pay what you could
- That it is in the best interest of the child to lower or forgive arrears
When to Request a Child Support Adjustment in Ontario After Changing Jobs
If your job change is permanent, you should request a support adjustment in Ontario as soon as possible. Do not wait. The court may only reduce the amount starting from the date you applied, not when your job or income changed.
Even if you are between jobs, you can still apply. The court can set your support based on your current EI income or your reasonable job search efforts.
Tips to Improve Your Child Support Modification Case in Ontario
- Act quickly after your job change
- Keep records of your income, tax returns, and letters from employers
- Use the correct forms and include all required documents
- Stay in touch with the Family Responsibility Office if your payments are falling behind
- Get legal help if you are unsure how to proceed
Final Thoughts
If your income changes, you have the right to modify child support in Ontario. Whether you need to lower income payments, increase child support, or just recalculate support fairly, the law allows for updates based on real-life changes.
Make sure to follow the proper steps, use the right forms, and file everything with your local family court.
Until the judge approves the change, keep making payments under your existing order. Taking the right steps now can help protect your finances and your child’s well-being.
