Legal resources, information, and referral services for service providers and
families who need information about family law and courts in Ontario.

Information on Family Courts in Ontario

Some communities have a special family court called the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice (Family Court), also called the unified Family Court. All types of family law matters can be dealt with in this Family Court.

If you do not have a unified Family Court in your area, you can take family law matters to the Ontario Court of Justice or to the Superior Court of Justice, depending on what family law issues you are dealing with.

Ontario Courts

This online guide provides an overview of all courts in Ontario, including those that deal with family law matters, web site:

Court Locations

For information on court locations and the services they provide, contact the Ministry of the Attorney General, web site:

Court Fee Waiver Form

You can apply to have certain court fees waived if you cannot pay them because of financial circumstances. The fee waiver applies to most fees in family law cases that are not appeals. See the following web site for more information and Fee Waiver Request forms, web site:

Forms for Family Court

Court forms for family law matters can be downloaded and printed from the following web site:

Family Law Services at Ontario Courts

Duty Counsel

Duty counsel lawyers are available in courthouses to help low-income people who do not have a lawyer with them in the courtroom. You may have to show that you cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. Duty counsel can provide advice, request adjournments, and assist in settling issues. To find out more about duty counsel services, contact your local Legal Aid Ontario office

Family Law Information Centres

All Ontario courts that deal with family law matters provide information and referral through Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) services. FLIC services include free information and help on issues related to separation and divorce and other family law matters. They also include information about court procedures, how to get a lawyer, services available in the community for families and children, and alternatives to going to court, such as family mediation. Advice lawyers from Legal Aid Ontario are also available at FLICs at certain hours. For information on FLIC services in your area, visit the web site:

Family Mediation Services

Family mediation services are available at all unified Family Court locations. For more information contact your local Family Law Information Centre (see page 1) or visit the following web site:

Parent Information Sessions

Free parent information sessions are available at all unified Family Court locations in Ontario for parents who are separating or considering separation.