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Family law court cases are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, or the Family Court branch of the Superior Court of Justice (sometimes called the Unified Family Court). 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 law topics

Dividing property when a marriage or common law relationship ends

Learn what happens to your property when you divorce or separate, what you might owe or be owed and how to get support.

Parenting time, decision-making responsibility and contact

Learn about parenting arrangements if you are separating or getting a divorce and how to get a parenting or contact order for the children.

Paying and receiving child and spousal support

Find out how to work with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) to pay and receive child and spousal support.

Talking to children about divorce and separation

Find tips and resources for parents and caregivers going through a divorce or separation.

Adoption

Learn about adoption, how to adopt a child, and get services and support to help you and the child you are adopting throughout the adoption process.

Child support

How to arrange child support between yourself and the other parent or caregiver.

Spousal support

Set up and change spousal support when going through a separation or divorce.

Child protection

Learn about going to court if you are involved in a child protection case.

Restraining orders

Learn how to apply for a restraining order against a former partner or spouse.

Family courts and procedure

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.

Family court forms

Download or print the court forms you may need for family court proceedings.

Get copies of family law documents from court

Learn how to get a divorce certificate and other family law documents, such as a child support or parenting order.

File family court documents online

Learn how to file family court documents online – without having to go to the courthouse.

Guided pathways to family court forms

Free online tools created by Community Legal Education Ontario to help you fill out family court forms.

Ontario Court of Justice family procedure and practice

Information published by the Ontario Court of Justice on family procedures.

Court of Appeal family procedure and practice

Information published by the Court of Appeal for Ontario on family procedures.

Superior Court of Justice family procedure and practice

Information published by the Superior Court of Justice on family procedures.

Guides to family court procedure

Read step-by-step information about conducting a family law court case.

Financial disclosure

Find out what financial information you have to give the court and other party when going through a separation or divorce.

Paying money into court

Learn how to pay money to the court for a civil or family court case or when managing a child’s money.

Going to court: accessibility

Learn about accessibility resources in Ontario courts, including accessibility coordinators.

Fees and interest

Fees in Superior Court of Justice family matters

Read the regulation about fees applicable in the Superior Court of Justice, including in family matters.

Fees in matters before the Family Court branch of the Superior Court

Read about the fees applicable in the Family Court branch of the Superior Court of Justice (also known as the Unified Family Court).

Have your fees waived

Find out if you qualify to have your court fees waived and learn how to apply.

Calculating prejudgment and postjudgment interest

Find the interest rates that apply to the money you are owed in a family court case.

Family dispute resolution and legal assistance

Family justice services

Learn about court-connected resources, including free family mediation, the Mandatory Information Program and Family Law Information Centres.

Family Law Information Centres (FLICs)

Learn about the resources available at Family Law Information Centres and how to contact them.

Mandatory Information Program (MIP)

Learn about accessing the Mandatory Information Program for parties in family law proceedings.

Family mediation

Mediation is an alternative to going to court. Find out if family mediation is right for you and find a mediator.

Office of the Children’s Lawyer

Discover services the Office of the Children’s Lawyer delivers to support children in legal matters.

Family arbitration

Explore how arbitration can help you and your spouse come to an agreement.

Legal Aid and other legal resources

Find out if you are eligible for free legal representation in your family court case.

Learn more about going to court and the resources available throughout the process.