What is the role of a Family Law Information Centre at an Ontario courthouse?

A Family Law Information Centre is a resource located at Ontario family courthouses, designed to provide free general information about the family court process to anyone involved in, or considering, a family law matter, particularly people without a lawyer. Staff there can explain what forms are needed for common types of cases, describe how the court process generally works, and refer people to relevant services such as mediation, legal aid, duty counsel, and community supports, but they don't provide legal advice or tell someone how to handle their specific case.

Many courthouses also use the Family Law Information Centre as the entry point for information sessions about parenting after separation, and as a place to access basic self-help materials and guides. Because its role is informational rather than advisory, it works best as a starting point to understand the process and find the right next resource, rather than as a substitute for legal advice on a specific situation. Anyone new to the family court system, especially without a lawyer, should visit or contact the Family Law Information Centre early to understand what's available before their first appearance.