Mark Van Walleghem

The parties, who separated in 1991 after a traditional marriage, both brought motions to change a 1993 spousal support order.

The moving party sought to terminate his $500 monthly spousal support obligation, citing his retirement, health issues, and the responding party's improved financial position.

The responding party brought a cross-motion seeking an increase in support due to inflation and ongoing economic disadvantage.

The court dismissed both motions, finding that neither party had met the threshold burden of establishing a material change in circumstances that would justify varying the existing order.

A custody and relocation dispute involving a three-year-old child.

The applicant mother sought permission to relocate to Alberta with the child to join her current partner, while the respondent father sought sole custody or, alternatively, a restraint on relocation.

The court awarded sole custody to the mother and permitted relocation to Alberta, finding that the mother had been the primary caregiver since birth, maintained a strong bond with the child, and had legitimate reasons for the move.

The father's involvement had been limited and sporadic, and his conduct was characterized by immaturity and lack of child focus.

Child support arrears were addressed and ongoing support was set at the guideline amount.