Can a divorce order be changed after it is made in Ontario?

Yes, but not easily — the law requires a "material change in circumstances" before a court will vary (change) a divorce order. A material change is a significant, unexpected shift in circumstances that, had it existed at the time of the original order, would likely have led to a different result. Examples include a significant change in either parent's income, a child reaching a new stage of life, a job loss, a serious health issue, or one parent relocating to another city.

For support orders, the threshold is whether the change is significant enough to warrant revisiting the original terms. Courts are cautious about entertaining variation applications for every minor fluctuation — there should be a genuine shift that makes the old order inappropriate.

For parenting orders, the same material change threshold applies. Courts are also reluctant to change parenting arrangements simply because one parent wants something different; they need to be satisfied that a change is in the best interests of the children, not just the convenience of a parent.

To vary a divorce order, you bring a motion or application to the Ontario Superior Court. If both parties agree on the variation, you can file a consent variation order, which is much simpler than a contested variation. If they disagree, the matter proceeds as a hearing with evidence on both sides.