3. Get familiar with court process and the law

Ontario’s family courts follow the family law rules and laws when deciding a family law court case. There is a rule about what is needed at every step in a court case. These rules are called the Family Law Rules. Reading them can help you as you fill out court forms and go through the court process.

Steps in a Family Law Case explains each step in the family law court process. 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.

Once you start your case, you must schedule a trial within 365 days. If your case isn’t scheduled for trial in that time, you get a notice that says you have 60 days to either:

• file a consent to a judgment or order, or
• schedule a case conference or settlement conference

If you don’t do anything after getting this notice, your case may be dismissed.

Family court illustrations

See what a family courtroom looks like

At any time during the court process, you and your partner can stop your family law case and try to settle your issues.