Family Court Support Information
COVID-19 and Family Court
March 25, 2020
Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre wants everyone supporting women fleeing abuse to have up-to-date information about what family law services and supports are available across Ontario at this time.
This information is from Luke's Place - see below;
• Ontario’s courts have suspended their regular operations
• Filing counters remain open with reduced hours (10 a.m. – 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.), but this could change at any time
• Documents for urgent matters only can be filed electronically: https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-divorce-application-online
• Duty counsel services are being provided remotely by Legal Aid Ontario. How this is being done will vary from one court jurisdiction to another. For more information: https://www.legalaid.on.ca/news/covid-19-update-on-our-client-services/
• Information and Referral Coordinator services will be available electronically. See below for contact information for IRCs across the province
• There will be some flexibility and understanding that not all documents being filed will be as professionally put together and as complete as is usually required. As long as affidavits contain detailed evidence, this should be acceptable
• Urgent matters that will be heard by the court include: custody, access, child protection, failure to return children, restraining orders, exclusive possession of the matrimonial home and, especially when the financial situation may preclude a woman from being able to get to a safe place, support
• Triage judges are in place at each family court to determine which cases are urgent
• See the end of this document for a tip sheet on safety planning for women living with an abusive partner
Accessing family law advice and assistance
Virtual Legal Clinic
Luke’s Place is opening its Virtual Legal Clinic (VLC) to women using any VAW service in any part of Ontario in order to increase access to family law support for women fleeing abuse. The VLC connects a woman with a family law lawyer via a web-based video conferencing program, for a summary legal advice consultation.
We have modified our protocols for using the VLC so that women can access a consultation whether or not they are in a shelter. Appointment requests must come through a VAW/woman-serving organization.
To learn more about the VLC, see information on our website at: https://lukesplace.ca/for-women/lukes-place-virtual-legal-clinic/
If you would like your clients to be able to access the VLC, please contact us at:
kathryn@lukesplace.ca and/or 905-728-0978 ext. 230.
Other special legal services
LAO’s Client Lawyer Service Centre can be reached at 1-800-668-8257, for summary legal advice about a family law issue.
Please note that, for the time being, financial eligibility requirements for summary legal advice are being waived. https://www.legalaid.on.ca/news/changes-to-summary-legal-advice-services-at-legal-aid-ontario-due-to-covid-19-pandemic/
The Law Society of Ontario has opened a new help line for people requiring urgent legal assistance: 1-800-268-7568 or 416-947-3310
Contact our Family Court Support Worker for more assistance - alyssa@vslg.ca / 613-925-0155 (leave a message)
Family Court Support Worker Program
Family Court Information (specific to Leeds and Grenville)
Finding Legal Help
Finding Help With Your Family Law Problem
Family Law Information and Advice
Family Lawyers in Leeds and Grenville
Family Law Resources in Ontario
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Family Law
Fact Sheet: Alternative Dispute Resolution
Where Can I Find More Information About Family Law?
Fact Sheet: Access to Legal Representation
Sources for Online legal information
Safety Planning
Safety Planning at Work (video)
Fact Sheet: Stalking and Family Law
Dealing with Violence at Home (for children/youth)
Getting Started
What You Should Know About Family Law in Ontario
Fact Sheet: Family Law Overview
Fact Sheet: Common Family Law Terms
Before You See Your Family Law Practitioner
Working Effectively With Your Lawyer
Why Is It Important to Tell Your Lawyer You Are Aboriginal?
Getting Through The Family Court Process
Basic Legal Information and Advice
Family Law Issues for Immigrant, Refugee and Non-Status Women
Presenting Evidence About Abuse in Family Court (video presentation)
Difference between Criminal Court Vs Family Court
Separation/Divorce
Family Breakdown: What is a Legal Separation?
Fact Sheet: Common Law Relationships
Separation and Divorce or Death of a Spouse: Property Division
How Property is Divided in Family Law
Divorce Law: Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers about Divorce for Jewish Women
A Woman's Guide to Money, Relationships and the Law
Custody/Access
Child Custody, Access and Parenting Plans
Fact Sheet: Custody and Access
Fact Sheet: Common Access Problems
Sample Schedules by Age of Child
Safety-Focussed Parenting Plans
Medium or Long-Distance Parenting Plans
Fact Sheet: Mobility -- Moving With the Children
International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents
Custody and Access Assessments
Custody Issues for Gay and Lesbian Parents
Child/Spousal Support
Separation and Divorce: Child Support
Separation and Divorce: Spousal Support
Federal Child Support Guidelines
Child and Spousal Support When You Are on Social Assistance
Protection Orders
Restraining Order: A Self-Help Guide
/photos/custom/Restraining Orders vs Peace Bonds.pdf
CAS Involvement
Children's Aid: Information for Parents
Child Protection and Family Law
What You Should Know About Child Protection Court Cases
Family Court Forms and Guides
1. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Information Before You Start
2. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Starting a Family Case
3. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Answers
4. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Financial Statements
5. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Filing Documents
6. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Serving Documents
7. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Required Steps
8. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Motions
9. Guide to Procedures in Family Court: Trial
Motion to Change a Final Family Court Order or a Support Agreement: Self-Help Guide
When You Are Served with a Motion to Change: Self-Help Guide
Parenting Affidavit (Form 35.1) Self-Help Guide
Articles On Parenting After Separation
Articles on Parenting and Divorce by Bill Eddy
Quick Help for Families in Transition
The Effects of Divorce on Children
For Children/Youth
A Child's Legal Guide to Separation and Divorce
www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/fcy-fea/lib-bib/pub/book-livre/index.html
www.kidshelpphone.ca/teens/home/splash.aspx
Websites
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/
www.ontariocourtforms.on.ca/english/family/
www.lao.on.ca/ (Legal Aid Ontario)
www.lsuc.on.ca/ (Law Society of Upper Canada)
www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-citizenship-and-immigration
yourlegalrights.on.ca/family-law
onefamilylaw.ca/ (information in multiple languages)
www.mysupportcalculator.ca/Welcome.aspx
www.coloradodivorcemediation.com/family/parent_plans.asp