Resources and Publications
Navigating the Family Court System in Ontario
These resources have been produced by CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario /Éducation juridique communautaire Ontario) with funding from: Legal Aid Ontario and the Department of Justice Canada.
- Before you start, which takes people through the opening stages, including issues families need to think about and ways to resolve their issues
- As an Applicant in a family court case
- As a Respondent in a family court case
An Introduction to Family Law in Ontario
August 2021
This resource identifies the main issues that must be dealt with when relationships end. It also explains how decisions can be made through an agreement, alternative dispute resolution process, or court.
Child protection flowcharts
February 2022
These are a set of 3 flowcharts that explain the child protection process.
Child Support
November 2021
This resource discusses who has a legal responsibility to pay child support, how it is calculated, and how it is enforced.
Children’s aid: Information for parents
April 2023
This resource offers information to help parents who are dealing with child protection agencies. It outlines when an agency might contact a family, how to respond if contacted, what the agency might do, what to do if the agency takes a child away, and where to get help in many languages.
Family Court Illustrations
These illustrations give people an idea about what a family courtroom looks like and who may be present at a hearing.
Family Law: Legal Help
June 2022
This resource discusses ways to get legal information and advice in family law. It also has details on where to find a lawyer, where to get help if you cannot afford a lawyer, and where to get help if you have experienced family violence.
Making Decisions and Spending Time with Children
August 2021
This resource discusses decision-making responsibility and parenting time, which used to be called custody and access. It also explains what happens if parents cannot agree on a parenting plan.
Separation and Divorce or Death of a Spouse: Property Division
March 2021
This resource explains the basic rules for property division between separating married spouses, their rights and obligations with respect to the matrimonial home, and what happens to property if one spouse dies. It also explains the different situation of common-law spouses. There are sections on responsibility for debts, division of CPP credits, and written agreements. The publication closes with detailed information on where to find legal assistance.
The August 2018 version of this publication is being distributed with “Important updates in family law” (March 2021) insert.
Spousal Support
July 2022
This resource discusses the factors that affect whether spousal support must be paid, in what amount, and for how long
Steps in a Family Law Case
November 2015
Three interactive flowcharts to help people understand and work through the family law process: