Family Law

Family Law involves all legal issues that can be dealt with in a family court, including:

• Divorce and separation
• Family Justice Services
• Parenting time, decision-making responsibility and contact in respect of a child
• Support for you, your spouse and children
• Division or equalization of family property
• Treatment of a matrimonial home
• Enforcement of support payments
• Child protection and adoptions

General information

• What you should know about Family Law (available in 9 languages)
  The booklet contains information about the laws that may affect you if you separate. Includes the care and support of your children, support for you or your spouse, and division of property
• Family Law Information Centres (FLICs)
  An area in each family courthouse where you can receive free information about divorce, separation and related family law issues (child custody, access, support, property division and child protection) and referrals to community resources. Each FLIC has a variety of publications available addressing these issues, as well as guides to court procedures. Staff and Advice Lawyers are also available at designated hours
• Family Law Resources in Ontario (Community Legal Education Ontario)
  This booklet contains a directory of legal resources, information and referral sources.
• Resource List
  Extensive list of books and websites for adults and children covering separation and divorce, parenting, emotional and financial issues. Includes age appropriate reading suggestions and interactive websites.
• Your Legal Rights (Community Legal Education Ontario)
  A website with practical, easy to find legal information on a variety of topics.
• Aboriginal Family Law Information Program
  These resources for Aboriginal families provide information about the family justice system, including the social and legal issues surrounding family breakdown such as parenting arrangements, support enforcement, and alternative dispute resolution.

About Courts

• Understanding the family court system in Ontario
  A quick introduction to the different types of courts and their locations
• Guide to Procedures in Family Court
  This guide provides steps to follow when going to court, including which forms must be completed, procedures when attending court and how to take steps in court cases.
• Notice to Public: Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings form now available online NEW
• Guides to Motions to Change
• Restraining Order - A Self-Help Guide
• Parenting Affidavits - A Self-Help Guide
• Family Court Addresses
• How to get a copy of a Divorce Order, Certificate of Divorce or other court document

Legislation and forms

• Family Law – Legislation
  Contains links to on-line versions of important family law legislation
• Family Law Rules
  The regulation that sets out the procedures to be followed in all family courts in Ontario
• Family Law Rules Forms
  Electronic versions of forms under the Family Law Rules

Feedback regarding the Mandatory Information Program, Family Law Information and Mediation Services

The Ministry has established an on-line confidential client satisfaction survey which should take less than five minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey.