Family Law Information Centres and Court Help in Ontario

Going to family court without a lawyer can feel overwhelming. You may not know which forms you need, what the steps are, or who is allowed to answer your questions. The good news is that Ontario courthouses and related services offer several kinds of help that cost you nothing.

Each service does a different job, and none of them replaces a lawyer who acts for you. This article explains what each one does, what it cannot do, and how to use them together before and during your case.

Start with the Family Law Information Centre

Family Law Information Centres, often called FLICs, are free services available across Ontario. They give information on separation, divorce and related family law issues, including child protection, court processes and local community resources.

The information and referral coordinators at a FLIC help you understand your family law needs and refer you to services. They do not give legal advice. In plain terms, a coordinator can point you to the right door, but cannot tell you what you should ask the court to order or whether your position is strong.

Hours and what is on offer can differ from one courthouse to another, so check with the court office before you go.

Duty counsel and advice counsel

Legal Aid Ontario provides family duty counsel lawyers at courthouses, both in person and virtually. Duty counsel can review your forms and explain the law, but they cannot represent you in your court case.

According to the Ontario Court of Justice, Legal Aid Ontario's duty counsel and its advice counsel at family courthouses may give 20 minutes of free advice, whether or not you are eligible for legal aid. That is a short window, so arrive with your questions written down and your papers in order.

Remember that judges and court staff cannot give legal advice. If you have a question about what to do, duty counsel or advice counsel is the better place to ask it than the clerk's counter.

Mediation and support for people facing violence

Free on-site mediation is available at family courts on the day a matter is scheduled for court. Off-site mediation may charge user fees on a scale based on income and number of dependants. A mediator is neutral, so they help you and the other person talk through an agreement but do not take sides, make decisions or give legal advice.

Mediation is not right for every situation. Some types of dispute resolution may not be appropriate where there is a power imbalance or family violence, and Ontario mediators screen for intimate partner violence at intake and throughout the process.

If you are a victim of domestic violence who is in, or may become involved in, a family court case, you may get help from a Family Court Support Worker. The worker can explain the process, help you prepare, help with safety planning (including getting to and from court safely) and go to court with you when appropriate. Who provides this service varies by courthouse, so ask the court office.

Other no-cost or lower-cost options

The Law Society Referral Service can be reached at 1-855-947-5255, or 416-947-5255 in the GTA. The Family Justice Centre is at 647-952-3354, and the Urgent/Emergency Family Law Referral line is 1-800-268-7568 or 416-947-3310.

What to do next

• Call or visit the court office to ask which services run at your courthouse and when.
• Visit the FLIC to learn the steps and get referrals.
• Gather your court papers, financial documents and a list of questions before seeing duty counsel.
• Ask about mediation on your court date, unless safety is a concern.
• If you are a victim of domestic violence involved in a family court case, ask about a Family Court Support Worker.
• Consider speaking with a lawyer if your case involves property, parenting disputes or deadlines.

Court deadlines keep running while you look for help, so contact a service as early as you can.

Frequently asked questions