Understanding the Family Court Process in Canada
Family court deals with issues such as parenting arrangements, separation, divorce, child support, spousal support, and sometimes matters involving safety and protection. People often explore the general steps of the court process so they can prepare questions before speaking with a lawyer.
Common Issues Heard in Family Court
Family courts across Canada may address:
- Decision-making responsibility (custody)
- Parenting time and schedules
- Child support and spousal support
- Safety-related concerns or boundary-setting requests
- Property division during separation
Starting a Family Court Application
Applications usually involve forms and affidavits, which outline someone’s concerns and requests. Courts may also require supporting documents. Each province has its own rules, and the forms may differ.
Interim (Temporary) Court Orders
Some courts allow people to request temporary orders while a case is ongoing. These may relate to parenting time, support, or communication boundaries.
Mediation and Other Alternatives
Some people explore mediation or collaborative processes as alternatives to full court hearings. These approaches vary by region and may not be suitable for every situation.
Hearings and Case Conferences
Family court usually includes conferences, hearings, and sometimes trials. A judge may provide guidance during early meetings and make decisions if people cannot reach an agreement.
Domestic Violence Considerations
Domestic violence may influence how courts assess the best interests of a child or how communication and parenting arrangements are structured. You can read more in our guide on child custody and domestic violence.
General Support Resources
People sometimes look for broad educational information before contacting a lawyer. DV.Support offers general guidance about navigating domestic-violence–related concerns.