CLEO’s Family Law Guided Pathways – A fantastic public resource

One of the biggest challenges facing unrepresented litigants in Ontario family court is getting help completing court forms. 

Fortunately, there is a great resource: CLEO’s Family Law Guided Pathways This is where Information & Referral Coordinators (IRCs) in the courts send those looking for help with forms. 

Guided Pathways is a free online service that walks through the “how to” for each family law court form with helpful annotations and “next steps” guidance. 

How does it work? 

This tool utilizes decision-tree technology to simplify complex tasks. It guides clients through a series of questions, populating their answers directly into the necessary forms for their family law case. 

Clients have the option to create an account or use the pathway as a guest. Guest sessions will time out after one hour of inactivity. To save their work or access additional pathways, clients must create an account. 

Upon completion, clients can save or print their documents. They will also receive a detailed “next steps” checklist. 

What family law processes can clients get help with? 

A client’s path through the court system is determined by the specific relief they seek. Clients may pursue one or more of the following pathways: 

• Family dispute resolution options 
• Financial planning for separation 
• Children, support, and property issues in separation and divorce 
• Simple or joint divorce 
• File a support agreement for enforcement 
• Answer a family law application 
• Reply to an Answer 
• Case conference 
• Settlement conference 
• Make or respond to a motion 
• Make an emergency motion 
• Complete net family property forms 
• Request a motion to change 
• Respond to a motion to change 
• Request a motion to change on consent 
• Trial management conference 
• Draft an order 
• Get a court order on consent 
• Request a court fee waiver 

 
What if I have other legal issues? Are there Guided Pathways for them? 

Clients often have legal issues in addition to their family law matter. CLEO’s Guided Pathways provides support with forms and document drafting for the following: 

• Abuse and violence 
• Housing Law 
• Human Rights 
• Immigration Law 
• Income Assistance 
• Non-profit Bylaws 
• Small Claims Court 
• Wills and Powers of Attorney 

What about my personal information? How does CLEO ensure my data remains private and confidential? 

Any personal information entered into the pathways is confidential. CLEO will not share personal information with anyone without consent. 

For more details about CLEO’S data policies, please read their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.