Family legal issues

Check the table below to see if you qualify:

Note: In extremely urgent or high-risk situations for people experiencing domestic abuse or dealing with a child protection case, LAO continues to provide certificates to people who have income above what is in the above table.

We might be able to help if you qualify and if:

• you need to decide decision-making responsibility (formerly custody), support, or parenting time/contact (formerly access)
• Children’s Aid has your children or contacted you

If you are not sure if you qualify, please call our contact centre:

• Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258
• GTA: 416-979-1446
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511

Working on things outside of court

You do not have to go to court to decide every legal issue. If you and your ex want to work together, you can mediate.

We have mediators in Milton, Ottawa, Brampton, Peel and Newmarket that can help you if you qualify. If you do not qualify, we can refer you to other mediators who are either free or charge you depending on what you’re able to pay.

If you do not qualify for a lawyer we may still be able to help

You can get help from the Family Law Information Centre at your courthouse if you qualify. The legal aid lawyer (called advice lawyers) can give you up to 20 minutes of free general advice. The advice lawyer may also be able to give you a referral to a family law service centre.  If there is no advice lawyer available, you will find various brochures and fact sheets to help guide you.

COVID-19: Beginning March 24, 2020, you can speak to an advice lawyer over the phone about your family matter without having to qualify.

Check the table below to see if you qualify for advice lawyer services.

Family law information program

Did a judge tell you to take a course about family law because you are separating or getting a divorce?

Contact your local family mediation and information services centre for more information about participating in a Mandatory Information Program.