Family legal issues
Some of our services have temporarily changed due to the COVID‑19 crisis. The information provided on this page may no longer be accurate. Please visit our COVID‑19 client or COVID-19 FAQs: family page to learn how this may impact you.
Check the table below to see if you qualify:
| Number of family members | The amount of money your family earns in a year (for most family law cases) | For domestic abuse and child protection cases |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,795 | $32,131 |
| 2 | $32,131 | $39,352 |
| 3 | $39,352 | $45,440 |
| 4 | $45,289 | $50,803 |
| 5+ | $50,803 | $59,440 |
| Single boarder | $12,330 |
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.
| Number of family members | How much money does your family earn in a year? |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,720 |
| 2 | $32,131 |
| 3 | $39,352 |
| 4 | $45,440 |
| 5+ | $50,803 |
Family law information program
As of January 1, 2021, the online version of Mandatory Information Program is no longer be available on LAO’s website.
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.
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