- Service is the formal delivery of court documents to you in a way the Family Law Rules recognize as valid — often personal service, or another method a court has approved.
- - A response to each claim made in the application (agree, disagree, or say you don't know) - Your own version of the relevant facts - Any claims of your own you want the court to…
Being served with a family court application is unsettling, especially if you didn't see it coming. It's a formal legal document, often thick with attached financial statements or claims about parenting arrangements, and it can feel like the other side has already gotten ahead of you.
In reality, being served just starts the clock on your chance to respond. Ontario's family court process gives you a structured way to put your own position on record through a document called an Answer. What matters most right now is understanding your options and acting before your window closes.
What Being "Served" Actually Means
Service is the formal delivery of court documents to you in a way the Family Law Rules recognize as valid — often personal service, or another method a court has approved. Once you've been properly served, you're legally considered to be on notice of the case and the clock starts running on your response.
Your Main Options Once You've Been Served
- File an Answer. This is the formal way to respond to the claims in the application, agree with some parts, dispute others, and raise any claims of your own.
- Try to resolve things directly first. Some couples use the period after service to negotiate a settlement, sometimes with lawyers or a mediator, before or instead of a fully contested Answer.
- Do nothing. This is rarely a good option. If you don't respond, the court can generally proceed and make decisions — including about parenting, support, or property — without your input.
What an Answer Generally Needs to Include
- A response to each claim made in the application (agree, disagree, or say you don't know)
- Your own version of the relevant facts
- Any claims of your own you want the court to consider (for example, your own request about parenting time or support)
- A financial statement, if money, property, or support is at issue
- Your signature and, typically, a sworn or affirmed statement that the contents are true
The Cost of Filing an Answer
Ontario's Superior Court of Justice charges filing fees that depend on what your Answer includes. As of mid-2026 (figures change — verify the current amount before you rely on it):
| Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Answer that does not include a divorce claim | $171.00 |
| Answer that includes a divorce claim | $214.00 |
These fees apply to the Superior Court of Justice's divorce and property stream. Some other types of family proceedings, such as child protection matters, are subject to different fee rules — confirm which stream your case falls into before assuming a fee applies.
Don't Wait to Confirm Your Deadline
Ontario's Family Law Rules set a strict deadline for filing an Answer after you're served, and the exact number of days can depend on how and where you were served. Because missing that window can allow the case to proceed without your position on record, confirm your specific deadline as soon as you're served — with the court forms, court staff, or a lawyer — rather than estimating it yourself.
What Happens After You File
Once your Answer is filed and served on the other party, the case generally moves toward a case conference, where a judge helps both sides identify what's actually in dispute and explores whether some or all of it can be resolved without a full contested hearing. From there, the case can settle, proceed to a motion on specific issues, or eventually head toward trial if it can't be resolved.
Frequently asked questions
What if I agree with most of what's in the application?
You can still file an Answer that agrees with the parts you accept and only disputes the rest. You're not required to contest everything just because you're filing a response, and narrowing the dispute early can save time and cost later.
Can I get more time to file my Answer?
In some circumstances, yes — either by agreement with the other party or by asking the court, depending on your situation. Don't assume an extension will be granted; ask as early as possible rather than waiting until your deadline has already passed.
Do I need a lawyer to file an Answer?
You're not required to have one, but family court Answers often involve financial statements and legal claims that are easy to get wrong without guidance. Many people at least get a lawyer to review their Answer before filing, even if they handle other parts of the case themselves.
What if I only disagree with part of a claim, like the parenting schedule?
You can respond claim by claim. It's common to agree with some requests — like the basic fact that the marriage broke down — while disputing others, such as a proposed parenting schedule or the value of a shared asset.
This is a family law question
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