Have you separated from your partner? Are you thinking about starting a family law court case to resolve your legal issues? Or, has your partner started a family law court case against you? Steps in a Family Law Case can help you understand and work through the family law court process in Ontario.
Click on any box on the flowcharts to learn about what happens at that step in the process and what you may need to do. You can return to the flowchart at any time to see what the next step is and where you're in the court process. Some of the site's other tools and features are explained here.
Steps in a Family Law Case is a set of 3 interactive flowcharts:
Before you start flowchart
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Before you start flowchart
This flowchart has basic information on the common things most people have to decide when they separate or divorce. It shows you what you can do if you and your partner agree on your issues and what to do if you don't. It explains Ontario’s family law court structure and gives information on which court can help you. |
Applicant flowchart
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Applicant flowchart This flowchart helps you understand how to start a family law case and continue through the court process until you have a court order. It also lets you know what to do if you:
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Respondent flowchart
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Respondent flowchart This flowchart helps you understand how to respond to a family law case that has been started against you and continue through the court process until you have a court order. It also lets you know what to do if you:
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These flowcharts have basic information about the steps in a typical family law case in Ontario. They are only a guide. What you have to do at each step depends on the facts of your case.
To get legal information and help before you make decisions or even before you talk to a lawyer, read Getting legal help for more information.
