Which Ontario court hears family cases?

Depending on location and relief sought, a case may be heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, or Family Court branch of the Superior Court of Justice, often called the Unified Family Court.

What forms begin a parenting case?

The required application, affidavit, financial, and service forms depend on the claims and court. Use the current Ontario Court Forms website and procedural guidance rather than an old form package.

What is a Family Law Information Centre?

FLICs provide legal information, referrals, and access to services at Ontario family courts. Information and referral coordinators do not provide legal advice.

Can parents settle after court starts?

Yes. Negotiation, mediation, conferences, and consent orders can resolve issues after filing. Any settlement should be clear, informed, and properly documented.

Ontario, Canada

Ontario Family Court Process for Parenting Cases

A plain-English overview of starting and managing an Ontario parenting case, including courts, forms, information services, and settlement options.

Legal sources reviewed: August 12, 2026

On this page

In short: Ontario family cases are heard in different courts depending on location and the orders requested. Parenting proceedings use the Family Law Rules and current Ontario court forms. Family Law Information Centres and court-connected services can help people understand procedure, but they do not replace case-specific legal advice.

This is a general overview, not legal advice.

Identify the correct court and claims

Ontario family matters can proceed in the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, or the Family Court branch of the Superior Court. Jurisdiction differs, particularly where divorce or property relief is involved. Confirm the correct courthouse and court before filing.

A parenting case may ask for decision-making responsibility, parenting time, contact, relocation-related relief, enforcement, or a variation. The documents and evidence should match the precise orders requested.

Forms, service, and disclosure

Use the Ontario Court Forms site for the current application, answer, affidavits, confirmation, and service documents. Parenting claims commonly require detailed child-focused information; financial claims require separate disclosure. Deadlines and service rules matter.

Ontario's Family Law Information Centres provide information and referrals, while duty counsel may provide limited assistance to eligible or unrepresented litigants. Court staff cannot give legal advice.

Conferences and settlement

Family cases commonly use conferences to identify issues, ensure disclosure, explore settlement, and prepare unresolved matters for decision. Mediation and negotiated consent orders remain possible after a case starts.

Prepare a concise chronology, current order, proposed parenting schedule, and only the documents relevant to the child's best interests. The custody schedule generator can visualise a proposal but is not court evidence or a filed form.

Official Ontario resources

FAQ

Questions, answered

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Family law varies by individual circumstances and may change over time. Consult a qualified attorney or appropriate official resource for advice about your situation.