Child Support Modification Process

Summary

In BC, your ex-husband must apply to an Alberta court to modify support payments. You may benefit from having lawyers in both BC and Alberta to handle local proceedings and address the original support order. Judges consider factors like the needs of the children, financial situations, and the length of the marriage. His arrears could negatively impact his request. Contact the Law Society of British Columbia and the Law Society of Alberta for lawyer referrals.

Full Conversation

Cristal
Hi Cristal, nice to meet you! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
My ex-husband wants to go to court to pay less support payments than already ordered by the court during our divorce over a year and a half ago. He is in arrears in those payments already, and now wants to pay less to me in the future. Will I need to get a lawyer?
Hi Cristal, I'm sorry you're going through this. To better assist you, can you please tell me your location (city and state)? This will help provide accurate information on local laws and guidelines.
I am in BC Canada
Hi Cristal, thank you for providing your location. Here are some general points that might be helpful:
- In BC, your ex-husband would need to apply to the court for a variation of the support order.
- You can represent yourself, but having a lawyer can help navigate court procedures and present your case effectively.
- His arrears do not automatically reduce his future obligations.
Would you like information on how to find legal assistance in BC?
How likely is it that the judge would rule in his favor? We were married for 24 years, with * children, that we agreed I would raise while I supported his career.
Hi Cristal, thanks for sharing more details. Here's some general information:
- Judges consider several factors, including the needs of the children, your financial situation, and your ex-husband's current financial situation.
- Long marriages and agreements like yours often influence decisions.
- His arrears could negatively impact his request.
Would you like information on how to find a lawyer in BC?
He lives in Alberta, Canada. That is where the Court ordered support payments originally came from, will I need a lawyer from Calgary as well?
Hi Cristal, here are some general points to consider:
- Since the original support order was made in Alberta, your ex-husband will likely need to apply to an Alberta court for a variation.
- You may benefit from consulting a lawyer in Calgary who understands Alberta's family law.
- This lawyer can coordinate with your BC lawyer if necessary.
Would you like information on how to find a lawyer in Calgary?
Will I need a lawyer in BC and also in Alberta?
Hi Cristal,
You may benefit from having lawyers in both BC and Alberta:
- BC lawyer: To handle any local proceedings and provide ongoing support.
- Alberta lawyer: To address the original support order and any variations.
Would you like help finding lawyers in both provinces?
Yes thank you
Hi Cristal, I'd be happy to help. Here are some contacts for finding lawyers in both BC and Alberta:

Law Society of British Columbia


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lawsociety.bc.ca

Law Society of Alberta


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lawsociety.ab.ca
You can contact these societies to find qualified family lawyers in both provinces.
Thank you
You're welcome, Cristal. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your situation!