Is a Dispute Resolution Officer Conference Offered in Ontario Family Court?

Whether a dispute resolution officer (DRO) conference is offered, and what happens at one, depends on the court and region, so ask the court office what to expect. Judges and court staff cannot give legal advice.

Mediation is one way to try to settle without a judge deciding: a neutral mediator helps you reach agreement but does not take sides, make decisions or give legal advice. Free on-site mediation is available at family courts on the day a matter is scheduled for court, while off-site mediation may charge user fees on a scale based on income and number of dependants. In every case where an answer is filed, a judge must hold at least one conference.

Whether a DRO conference is worth your time depends on your goals and safety. Some types of dispute resolution may not be appropriate where there is a power imbalance or family violence. Offers you make are seen by the judge only after the issues are decided, except at a binding judicial dispute resolution hearing. Duty counsel at family courthouses may give 20 minutes of free advice.