if it hadn't been for (the recent change in the law)

[Lostinfrance]

I'm writing a formal letter, and want to say 'if it hadn't been for (the recent change in the law..)' Is the following correct please?

Si ce n'avait pas été le modification recent de la loi.....

 

[Cephlanot]

The fixed expression is "n'eut été"

See http://bdl.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/bdl/gabarit_bdl.asp?id=4117

 

[FleurMarlowe]

A full sentence would certainly help us (and you) !
And some context, wow, I just can't tell !

 

[Lostinfrance]

The sentence is ' 'if it hadn't been for the recent change in the law relating to capital gains tax, we would not have to pay capital gains on the sale of the property.