Family Justice Resources
Ontario
Ontario has one of Canada's most comprehensive family justice systems, governed by the Children's Law Reform Act, the Family Law Act, and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. The Superior Court of Justice (Family Court) and the Ontario Court of Justice handle family law matters.
Courts
Ontario has two courts that handle family law: the Superior Court of Justice (for divorce, property, and complex matters) and the Ontario Court of Justice (for custody, access, support, and child protection).
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Ontario provides free legal services to low-income Ontarians facing family law matters, including duty counsel at courthouses.
Family Justice Services
Ontario's Family Justice Services provides mediation, parenting information programs, and dispute resolution to help families resolve issues without going to court.
Child Protection
Ontario's Children's Aid Societies investigate concerns about child safety. The Child, Youth and Family Services Act governs child protection in Ontario.
Support Enforcement
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) enforces child and spousal support orders in Ontario. Registration is automatic for court orders.
Family Violence
Ontario has strong protections for victims of family violence, including Emergency Protection Orders and a network of shelters and crisis services.
Mediation
Ontario has a robust network of family mediators and offers subsidized mediation through the courts.
Self-Representation
Ontario has extensive resources for self-represented litigants, including Family Law Information Centres at courthouses.
Forms & Guides
Official court forms and plain-language guides for family law matters in Ontario.
Need immediate help?
Crisis services are available 24/7 across Canada