What Should You Wear and Expect on Your First Day in Ontario Family Court?

On your first day, plan to arrive early, dress neatly and bring your court documents and a pen and paper. Details such as security screening, where to check in and how your matter is called vary by courthouse, so check with the court office ahead of time.

Judges and court staff cannot give legal advice. Help may be available on site: Legal Aid Ontario provides family duty counsel at courthouses, in person and virtually, who can review your forms and explain the law but cannot represent you in your court case. Duty counsel and advice counsel at family courthouses may give 20 minutes of free advice, whether or not you are eligible for legal aid. Free on-site mediation is available at family courts on the day a matter is scheduled for court.

If you are a victim of domestic violence who is in, or may become involved in, a family court case, a Family Court Support Worker may explain the process, help you prepare, help with safety planning and go to court with you when appropriate. Speak calmly and politely in court, listen before you answer, and ask duty counsel or court staff how to address the judge.