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Which court do you go to?

Ontario has 3 different courts that deal with family law issues. These are the:

  • Family Court Branch of the Superior Court of Justice
  • Superior Court of Justice
  • Ontario Court of Justice

It's important that you go to the right court. Rule 5: Where a case starts and is to be heard tells you where you should start your family...

Your partner started a family court case

If your partner started a court case against you and you have to respond to court papers that you got from them, you’re called the respondent. Your partner is called the applicant. You’re both known as the parties in your family court case.

The family court process follows strict rules. There is a rule about what's needed at every step in a...

You start a family court case

If you’re starting a court case, you’re called the applicant. Your partner is called the respondent. You’re both known as the parties in your family court case.

The family court process follows strict rules. There is a rule about what's needed at every step in a court case. These rules are called the Family Law Rules. Reading them can help...

Get your order

Once you've gone through the family court process, you will have an order, usually written out in an endorsement that decides the issues in your case.
You or your partner should now get a formal signed order from the court. You must fill out Form 25: Order listing all the orders in the endorsement. This must be sent to the other partner...

Get your partner’s answer

Your partner has 30 days to fill out, serve, and file their documents in response to your documents.
But, if they need more time, they can bring a regular motion asking the court for more time to file their response. The Step Bring a regular motion gives you more information about how they can do this.
They have to fill out Form 10:...

What if you and your partner agree on some or all of the issues?

If you and your partner mostly agree on what you want to happen when you separate, you may not have to go to court. Going through the family court process can take a lot of time and cost a lot of money. It can also be a very emotional and stressful experience for you and your children.

Usually you need to discuss things with your partner before...