Attending Ontario Family Court Hearings by Zoom: How to Prepare

A virtual hearing can feel informal because you are at home, but it is still court. Ontario's Family Law Rules say their primary objective is to enable the court to deal with cases justly, so it is worth treating a virtual appearance with the same care as one in a courtroom.

This article covers how to confirm the format, what paperwork is due before you log in, how documents are generally handled, and practical technology and etiquette steps.

Confirm that your hearing is virtual

Whether a first appearance, conference or motion is in person or virtual varies by region and can change through scheduling notices. Read your notice closely for the date, time, format and any instructions on how to join. If anything is unclear, contact the court office.

Paperwork is still due on time

For a case conference, the parties complete Form 17 (Conference Notice) and Form 17A (Case Conference Brief). The party who requested the conference, or the applicant if no one else asked, serves and files their brief at least six days before the conference, and the other party at least four days before. Check how days are counted under the rules, because the counting method matters.

Each party must file Form 17F (Confirmation of Conference) no later than 2:00 p.m. three days before the conference, and the court may cancel the conference if a party does not confirm. For motions in the Ontario Court of Justice, Form 14C (Confirmation of Motion) is due by 2:00 p.m. three days before the motion.

How documents are presented

Form 17A does not go into the Continuing Record unless a judge orders otherwise. Neither Form 17C nor the Offer to Settle goes into the continuing record, and settlement conference material is confidential. Form 17E goes into the continuing record, and you should come ready with your witnesses and what each will say, the documents you rely on, an estimate of cross-examination time, and any interpreter or accommodation needs.

For a virtual event, ask the court how documents should be sent or shown on screen. Do not assume you can share a new document during the hearing. Some documents do have set deadlines: a conference brief is served and filed at least six days before the conference for the party who requested it, or at least four days before for the other party, and motion materials also have deadlines before the motion.

Technology and etiquette

• Test your device, camera, microphone and internet connection a day before.
• Join a few minutes early using the link in your notice, and keep a phone number for the court handy.
• Choose a quiet, private, well-lit space with nobody else in the room.
• Dress as you would for the courthouse and use your full name on screen.
• Mute when you are not speaking, and do not interrupt the judge or the other party.
• Keep your documents organized, with a paper or second-screen copy of what you may need.

What to do next

At a first appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice, the clerk checks that documents have been served and filed, refers the parties to information and alternatives such as mediation, and schedules a case conference. Make sure your service and filing are complete before that date.

If you do not have a lawyer, a Family Law Information Centre gives free forms and general procedural information. Low-income people may get free legal advice at court from Legal Aid Ontario advice lawyers and duty counsel.

Frequently asked questions