You can learn much more about available services, mediation, court process, separation, divorce and the law by visiting us at one of our Family Law Information Centres (FLIC).
Resources
Family Law
CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario)Below is a link to a short introductory video that provides more information about the pathways.
The video can be directly viewed here: https://stepstojustice.ca/guided-pathways/family-law/family-law-guided-pathways-an-introduction/
The Action GroupThe Action Group on Access to Justice (TAG) was established by the Law Society of Ontario in 2015 to facilitate better coordination and collaboration across the justice sector. With funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario, TAG works with a range of justice stakeholders to develop meaningful, public-centred solutions that advance systemic change.
Your Legal Rights- Family LawFamily law covers legal issues like marriage and common-law relationships, separation and divorce, child custody and access, child and spousal support, property division, child protection and partner abuse.
Resource List
Do you have a legal problem and live in Ontario?
Steps to Justice gives reliable and practical information on common legal problems including:
- step-by-step information to help you work through your legal problems
- practical tools, such as checklists, fillable forms, and self-help guides
- referral information for legal and social services across Ontario
- live chat and email support if you can’t find the answers to your questions
Contains general legal information for Ontario, Canada, by the Law Society of Upper Canada
Tax Matters Toolkit: Separation and DivorceFrom the Canadian Bar Association Family Law Section
Inventory of Government Based Family Justice ServicesIf you are dealing with separation, divorce or other family law issues, you’re not alone. A wide variety of family justice services can help you get information and resolve issues without going to court.
Parenting Plan Tool Parenting Plan Checklist Guide for Self-Represented Litigants in Family Court TrialsA guide that is intended to help you represent yourself in a family law trial at the Ontario Court of Justice. As noted on the Ontario Courts of Justice Website, this document contains basic information and it is not legal advice and does not cover every situation that may come up in your trial.
Separation and Divorce
Guided Pathways to Divorce Forms (CLEO)An online tool that asks you questions and uses your answers to fill out the court forms you need to apply for a divorce. The pathways are for people who want to ask the court for a divorce only. If you need the court to make decisions about spousal support, child support, custody and access, or dividing property, you can’t use the pathways. The pathways are free to use.
Getting DivorcedFederal and Provincial law related to divorce and separation.
Parenting after DivorceHow to care for your children during and after a separation or divorce.
Parenting arrangements after separation or divorceA comprehensive guide to making parenting plans from the Department of Justice Canada.
Office of the Children’s LawyerLearn about services the Office of the Children’s Lawyer delivers to support children in legal matters.
Separation or divorce means lots of changes, but love, comfort, and care can help children adjust and cope with family trauma.
Services for Children
The Office of the Children’s LawyerDelivers programs in the administration of justice on behalf of children under the age of 18 with respect to their personal and property rights.
On my way: a guide to support middle years child developmentOn MY Way: A Guide to Support Middle Years Child Development is a comprehensive developmental framework to support children ages 6–12, and is based on up-to-date evidence on middle childhood development.
What Happens Next? Information for kids about separation and divorce Sesame Street in CommunitiesSesame Street has created much-needed resources for families with young children (ages 2-8) as they encounter the tough transitions that come with divorce.
Kids Help Phone 1.800.668.6868- Phone counselling
- Web counselling
- For ages 20 & under
- Free, 24/7
- Anonymous & Confidential
- Non-judgemental
HOPE is a volunteer-run network of peer support groups for parents and guardians who share similar struggles, experiences, and concerns related to their adolescent or young adult children.
Supporting Our Youth (SOY)Works to support the health and wellbeing of all queer and trans spectrum youth by running groups, programs and events and by providing one-on-one support for queer, trans and questioning youth who are 29 years old and under.
Child and Spousal Support
Covid-19 Support for people Paying and Receiving Child and Spousal Support Arranging Child Support Child support guidelinesProvides step-by-step information on Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Child Support and the Child Support GuidelinesQuestions and answers on child support from CLEO.
Parenting time, decision-making responsibility and contactDefinitions and descriptions of parenting time, decision-making responsibility and contact from the Ontario Government.
Family Responsibility OfficeHelps families in Ontario receive the financial support they are entitled to by enforcing court ordered support responsibilities.
MySupportCalculator.caCanada’s only accurate online child & spousal support calculator
Cultural Legal Services
Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto African, Caribbean, Black Family Group ConferencingThe African, Caribbean, Black Family Group Conferencing Project, also known as ACB-FGC is working to transform the way the child welfare system supports the wellbeing of African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) children, families and youth by delivering culturally adapted Family Group Conferencing to ACB communities in the Toronto area.
Black Legal Action Centre Chinese Southeast Asian Legal Clinic Human Rights Legal Support Centre | Services for Indigenous People Downtown Legal Services — University of Toronto
Domestic Violence and Abuse
METRACMetropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children
SafePet OntarioSafePet Ontario coordinates foster care for pets of individuals fleeing domestic violence. The program helps survivors seek safety while ensuring their pet receives proper care until they’re stabilized and safe and can reunite.
Assaulted Women’s Helpline Barbra Schlifer Commemorative ClinicA counseling, legal, interpretation, information and referral service for women who are survivors of violence.
Family Services TorontoProviding short and long term counseling services and programs
Distress Centre: 416.408.4357 Fact Sheet - Divorce and Family Violence iDetermine Safe Relationship Quiz Victim Services: 416.808.7066Men Experiencing Abuse
Family Services TorontoProviding short and long term counseling services and programs.
Male Abuse Awareness WebsiteProvides links to help services, male abuse communities, various support systems and friends for male victims and survivors.
The Canadian Centre for Men and Families Distress Centre: 416.408.4357 Victim Services: 416.808.7066Mental Health
Arrow Passage RecoveryFast Facts About Mental Illness: Discover the Facts About the Most Common Mental Health Issues and Their Impacts
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) CAMH Family Resource CentreSupport and information for family and friends of people experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario Fathers Resources InternationalSupport and legal assistance for fathers, including in-person and online Q+A sessions
Preventing Suicide and Suicide Warning SignsSuicide. It’s a difficult topic to bring up. However, when someone talks about suicide or brings up concern for a loved one, it’s important to take action and seek help quickly. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario.
Suicide: What to do when someone is suicidalWhen someone you know appears suicidal, you might not know what to do. Learn warning signs, what questions to ask and how to get help. Mayo Clinic.
Are you thinking about suicide? How to stay safe and find treatmentHopelessness may lead you to think about suicide. Learn how to stay safe, get through a crisis and find treatment. Mayo Clinic.
Supporting a family member with schizophrenia: Practical strategies for daily livingSupporting a family member with schizophrenia offers tools and resources that help people with schizophrenia and their families develop customized strategies that support an independent and fulfilling life in the community.
Coping with suicidal thoughtsI’m seriously thinking about suicide. What should I do? Consortium for Organizational Mental Health.
Canadian Association for Suicide PreventionAddiction
Addiction ResourceRaises awareness on the dangers of addiction and helps local communities stay drug-free.
Canadian Society of Addiction MedicinePromoting drug abuse prevention and treatment.
Government, Community & Non-Profit Organizations
Black Dadies ClubThe main goals of the organization are to change the image of the “absent Black father” that is prevalent in the media and to assist young Black men to become better fathers. In so doing, BDC aims to support Black children, families and the larger community.
Ministry of Children and Youth ServicesFind services for child welfare, family intervention, youth justice, children’s community support, children’s mental health, and childcare.
Ministry of the Attorney General | Family LawFind information about family justice programs and services, child support information, online publications and more.
Ministry of the Attorney General | Family Mediation ServicesMediation is a voluntary way of resolving disputes where a trained mediator helps parties of relatively equal bargaining positions to resolve disputes about family issues.
Ontario court addressesFind local courthouses by location or region.
Ontario family court structureFind services and information about Ontario’s family courts.
Family court formsProvides you with electronic versions of forms under the Family Law Rules.
Human Rights Legal SupportOffers legal assistance to people in communities across Ontario who believe they have experienced discrimination.
Ombudsman OntarioInvestigates complaints against provincial government organizations.
TAG (The Action Group)A community of organizations and individuals that works together to find new solutions to access to justice challenges in Ontario.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Budget CalculatorThis Budget Calculator is a tool to help you calculate and understand your budget. This tool is designed to give you a snapshot of where your money is going based on how much you spend in a selected time period. Download the Budget Calculator here
Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
416-250-6161
