These are services that can support you and your family during challenging times. Many services are free and available in person, over the phone or online.
Types of family justice services
The Government of Canada website explains the types of family justice services. These include:
- Information and Resources Centres
- Services to help you resolve disputes, such as mediation, arbitration and collaborative law (I have provided additional information on this website about mediation and collaborative law)
- Services to help your children
- Services to help you in high conflict situations
Publicly funded family justice services in Ontario
Visit the provincial government website to get a detailed list of the following services:
- Family mediation services
- Mandatory information program
- Family Law Information Centres
- Supervised Access Centres
- Family Court support worker program
- Office of the Children’s Lawyer
Collaborative law organizations
- Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals
- Collaborative Practice Durham Region
- Kawartha Collaborative Practice
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- Collaborative Practice Toronto
Parenting plan resources
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Resource Centre provides a Parenting Plan Guide and Template.
Department of Justice provides legal information on parenting arrangements.
Family violence resources
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline (available 24 hours a day, with services in many languages)
- Ontario’s Family Court Support Worker Program
- Family law information and safety help: Luke’s Place
- Family Court Survival Workbook from Luke’s Place
- Search for a shelter in your area on ShelterSafe.ca
Crisis information, services and support lines
Government of Canada listing of mental health supports or call 1-866-585-0445
Government of Ontario listing of mental health supports or call 1-866-531-2600
Municipal Government listings: