COVID-19: Updates on the law and legal services

CLEO is working to give practical answers to the important questions that people are asking about the law relating to the COVID-19 situation. We are also sharing updates about changes to government programs and court services.

We are working to keep this page as up-to-date as possible, but as the COVID-19 environment is rapidly changing we cannot guarantee accuracy. Please get legal advice for your specific situation. To find a community legal clinic near you, visit https://www.legalaid.on.ca/services/legal-clinics/

Abuse and Family Violence

• The supervised access centre I use has closed because of COVID-19. What can I do about my children's access visits with their other parent?
• I'm being abused or have experienced abuse. Where can I find legal support during COVID-19?
• My abusive partner won't return the children to me and courts are closed because of COVID-19. What can I do?
• What can I do if I’m self isolating with a partner who is abusive?

See all Abuse and Family Violence questions

Criminal Law

• I have a court date for a criminal charge in the Ontario Court of Justice. What should I do?
• I’m a surety at a bail hearing, bail review, or detention review. What should I do?
• I have a trial or preliminary inquiry for a criminal charge in the Ontario Court of Justice. What should I do?
• I have a court date for a criminal charge in the Superior Court of Justice. What should I do?

See all Criminal Law questions

Debt and Consumer Law

• My rent payment is due, but I can’t pay it because of COVID-19. How will not paying affect my credit?
• I need to take a payday loan to cover my bills because of the COVID-19 situation. What should I know before I sign a payday loan contract?
• I got an email from a company offering a fast COVID-19 test within 48 hours. I signed the online contract and paid with my credit card. I did not receive the test, what can I do?
• I bought a duct clearing service from a door-to-door salesperson who said it would protect me from COVID-19. I’m having second thoughts, what can I do?

See all Debt and Consumer Law questions

Employment and Work

• Who can get the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and how do I apply?
• How do I get a copy of my Record of Employment (ROE)?
• Can I get Employment Insurance (EI) if my employer reduces my hours of work?
• What is Ontario’s Emergency Assistance Program?

See all Employment and Work questions

Family Law

• I’m worried about COVID-19 and don’t want to send my child for an access visit to my partner. What can I do?
• Do I have to send my child to my partner for access visits if my child and I are self-isolating or under quarantine?
• The place where I work is closed because of COVID-19 and I have no work. I don’t have money to pay support. What can I do?
• CAS has stopped all in-person access visits because of COVID-19 and I can’t see my child. What can I do?

See all Family Law questions

Health and Disability

• I’m in a long-term care home and want to leave because of COVID-19. What can I do?
• I’m on a waiting list for a long-term care home but don’t want to move in during the COVID-19 crisis. What happens if I’m offered a space?

See all Health and Disability questions

Housing Law

• I couldn’t pay rent this month and my landlord is threatening to evict me. What can I do?
• My landlord wants to show my place to prospective tenants or buyers. Can I stop people from coming in if I’m worried about COVID-19?
• My landlord gave me a notice that my rent is going up on the 1st of the month. Can they still raise my rent during the COVID-19 emergency?
• Can I cancel my lease if I can’t keep the place because of the COVID-19 emergency?

See all Housing Law questions

Immigration and Refugee

• I don’t have permanent status in Canada. Will I qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
• Where can I get information about immigration and refugee cases?
• I don’t have status in Canada. What should I do if I think I have the corona virus (COVID-19)?
• I need to see a doctor about something other than COVID-19, but I don’t have status in Canada. What should I do?

See all Immigration and Refugee questions

Income Assistance

• Is ODSP giving people extra help because of COVID-19?
• Is OW giving people extra help because of COVID-19?
• What is Ontario’s Emergency Assistance Program?
• I’m getting income support from the ODSP. What will happen if I get the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?

See all Income Assistance questions

Provincial Offences

• What are the emergency rules in Ontario because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Do I have to show my ID to the police if I go outside during the COVID-19 situation?
• I have a court date for a traffic ticket at the Ontario Court of Justice. What should I do?

See all Provincial Offences questions

Tribunals and Courts

• What can I do now that duty counsel and FLICs are not available at court?
• I have a hearing coming up at the Landlord and Tenant Board but I heard they are closed. What should I do?
• I have a court date for a criminal charge in the Ontario Court of Justice. What should I do?
• I have a court date for a traffic ticket at the Ontario Court of Justice. What should I do?

See all Tribunals and Courts questions

Wills and Powers of Attorney

• I want to write a will. What do I need to know?
• What’s a Power of Attorney for Personal Care and why do I need one?
• What’s a Power of Attorney for Property and why do I need one?

See all Wills and Powers of Attorney questions