Before You Separate, There’s Stuff You Should Know
Resources for Separation and Divorce in Ontario
These are important resources you should review if you are considering separation and divorce in Ontario:
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SEPARATION / DIVORCE
What You Should Know about Family Law in Ontario (Ministry of the Attorney General) Covers many aspects of divorce and separation, including mediation, choosing a lawyer, going to court, your rights and obligations
Family Law Information Centres (Ministry of the Attorney General)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. Staff and Advice Lawyers are also available at designated hours.
Family Law Information (Community Legal Education Ontario) Information about many family law issues, including divorce, custody, support, and property division.
Steps to Justice (Community Legal Education Ontario) A website that gives reliable, step-by-step information about common legal problems, including family law issues. Visit the website for information about custody, support, and property division, as well as going to court and resolving issues through alternative dispute resolution. Steps to Justice also has a live chat function to help users find the information they need.
Family Law Information Program (Legal Aid Ontario) Legal and practical information on family law topics in an easy to follow format.
SETTLING OUT OF COURT
Mediation (Ontario Association for Family Mediation)A mediator, a neutral third party, can help you reach an agreement on a variety of issues, including support payments, the division of property, and child custody and access. Mediators, unlike judges or arbitrators, do not decide cases or impose settlements
Arbitration (Ministry of the Attorney General)Arbitrators, like mediators, are neutral third parties. However, unlike mediation, parties who wish to arbitrate must agree to be bound by the decision made by the arbitrator.
Collaborative Family Law (Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals) Collaborative professionals assist parties in negotiating a resolution of their dispute(s) in a principled and respectful fashion without going to court. Both parties and their lawyers sign a contract committing to this process in advance.
GOING TO COURT
Understanding the Family Court System in Ontario (Ministry of the Attorney General) In Ontario, family law matters are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, or the Family Court branch of the Superior Court of Justice, depending on the issue in dispute and where you are located in the province.
Guide to Family Court (Ontario Courts) The Ontario Court of Justice has jurisdiction over child protection, adoption, custody, access, child support, and spousal support. The Ontario Court of Justice does not hear divorce or property matters arising from a family breakdown.
Steps in a Family Law Case (Community Legal Education Ontario) A series of interactive flowcharts that help people understand and work through the family law process.
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