Can You Get Family Court Fees Waived in Ontario?

Whether you can have Ontario family court fees waived depends on your financial situation and the process at the court where you file. Fee amounts and waiver steps can change, so confirm the current details with the court office before you pay or apply. Ask what documents you will need to show your income.

Fees are not the only cost, and help is available while you sort this out. Family Law Information Centres are free and explain separation, divorce and court processes, though their coordinators do not give legal advice. Legal Aid Ontario may give a low-income person a certificate to pay for their own lawyer if they qualify financially. Duty counsel and advice counsel at family courthouses may give 20 minutes of free advice whether or not you are eligible for legal aid.

The Family Justice Centre gives free, supervised drafting help from law students to people who qualify financially, and the Urgent/Emergency Family Law Referral line gives free telephone advice to people without a lawyer. Availability varies by courthouse, so check with the court office.