—Variance; Amendment

In all cases of any material variance between allegation and proof, an amendment may be per- mitted at any stage of the trial. If such allegation was made without reasonable excuse, or if the adverse party was actually misled thereby to his or her prejudice in maintaining the action or defense upon the merits, or if such amendment requires postponement of the trial or additional expense to the adverse party and this is shown to the satis- faction of the judicial authority, such amendment shall be made only upon payment of costs or upon such terms as the judicial authority may deem proper; but in any other case, without costs. Imma- terial variances shall be wholly disregarded. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 178.)