Family law primarily deals with the legal aspects of family relationships, including marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, and support. It governs the rights and responsibilities of parents, children, and spouses, particularly during the breakdown of family units.
Family Law involves all legal issues that can be dealt with in a family court, including:
- Divorce and separation
- Family Justice Services
- Parenting Arrangements: Child custody and access
- 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
Settling out of court
Settling family law matters out of court involves reaching agreements on issues like property division, spousal support, custody, and parenting time through negotiation and collaboration.
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Collaborative Family Law
Going to court
In family law cases involving children, you may be required to go before a judge for a conference, motion or trial.
More information
The Ministry of the Attorney General provides a variety of resources and services to help families understand the family justice system and resolve their disputes.
Family court system
Find out what court you should start your family court case in.
Family Law Rules
Access the rules of court that apply to family court proceedings.
What you should know about Family Law
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.
Family Law Resources in Ontario (Community Legal Education Ontario)
This booklet contains a directory of legal resources, information and referral sources.
Family Law Information Program (Legal Aid Ontario)
If you qualify for legal aid, Legal Aid Ontario can help you to:
- Deal with Children’s Aid Society (including Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters, child protection, adoption, and youth justice).
- Figure out or change decision-making responsibility (formerly custody), support, or parenting time/contact (formerly access) with your former partner.
- Resolve a family matter outside of court through mediation or a negotiated settlement.
- Prepare court documents and represent you at court.
- Obtain a restraining order if you are experiencing domestic violence.