Saskatoon Variations Lawyers Helping Clients Request Changes to Family Law Agreements

When you finalized your divorce, you agreed to certain arrangements that may include child support and spousal support. But over time, circumstances change, and the terms you agreed to might no longer work for you. If this has happened, it’s time to talk to a variations lawyer to get help requesting changes.

Whether you cannot pay the amount of spousal support you used to pay or need to request higher child support payments, it may be possible to make the changes you’re hoping for. But you will need to first prove there has been a material change in circumstances, and our variations lawyers in Saskatoon can help.

What Are Common Reasons to Request a Spousal Support Variation?

If you pay spousal support to your former spouse and you need to change the amount you pay, you can request a variation. The same goes if you receive spousal support and want to increase the amount you get. As long as you can show that there is a legitimate reason to alter the amount, there is a chance you will get the outcome you want. Some reasons to request a change in spousal support include:

• A significant decrease in income due to job loss, demotion, or retirement
• A significant increase in the former spouse’s income
• Your former spouse remarries or becomes financially self-sufficient

If any of these changes in circumstances apply, you have a chance of adjusting the agreement you signed during your divorce. Come to Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation for assistance proving that a material change has had a significant impact on your finances.

What Circumstances Would Lead to Variations in Child Support?

If you need to make changes to child support, the variations process is similar to the one involving spousal support. You need to show evidence that your circumstances have changed and that you must pay less, or that you need to increase the amount of support you receive from your former spouse.

If you currently pay child support and your income has been drastically reduced or taken away completely due to job loss, you can request to modify the amount you pay. If you have more parenting time due to changes in the parenting arrangements, you can also request a reduction in the amount you pay for child support.

On the other hand, if you receive child support from the child’s other parent, you can request more if you know their income has drastically increased. Similarly, if the child suddenly has more expenses due to school, health problems, or other circumstances, you can request an increase in child support. Our dedicated legal support for family issues in Saskatoon can help you prove that the change would be in the best interests of the child, so call us to get started today.

What Is the Process for Requesting a Variation?

In some cases, both parties agree to variations. If this is the case, you and your former spouse will need to sign some paperwork to be filed with the court. This is the simplest option and is recommended whenever possible, but of course, getting both parties to agree on the details is not always easy.

That’s why mediation may be your best option. Even if you both agree that changes need to be made to family law agreements, you might not agree on the exact amount. Our variations lawyers will guide you through mediation until you reach an agreement outside the courtroom.

Are You Ready to Talk To Variations Lawyers in Saskatoon?

At Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation, we have years of experience guiding clients toward settlements out of court. We realize that it can be hard for both parties to come to an agreement when it comes to sensitive topics like spousal support and child support. But we know it’s in the best interests of all parties involved to avoid a long, drawn-out court battle, so we do our best to help them negotiate in a calm, supportive environment.

If you are interested in learning how we can help you request variations to legal documents, call our Saskatoon law firm at 306-518-8107 to schedule a consultation with our legal team today.