Simplifying the Justice System for Families
New legislation would make it easier and more affordable for families and individuals to resolve family legal matters
Families encounter the family law system in some of life’s most difficult moments. To help make the process easier to navigate and understand for parents and their children, our PC government is introducing legislation that would simplify the family law system by modernizing language, simplifying appeal routes and improving the online child support service.
If passed, the Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, 2020, will:
- Make the family law appeals process clearer and easier to navigate by clarifying when and how to appeal family law cases, help families reach final decisions faster in difficult cases, and make the appeals process more consistent no matter where their trial is heard.
- Align Ontario’s family laws with federal changes to the Divorce Act, including modernizing language around the terms custody and access so they are consistent, clear and more streamlined.
- Allow parents and caregivers to obtain certified copies of child support notices from the online child support service so support amounts can be more easily managed or enforced outside the province.
Additionally, our PC government is making changes to remove the requirement for family arbitrators to file arbitration award reports with the ministry, saving time and money.
These proposed changes will allow parents and guardians to spend less time on paperwork and court appearances and more time making plans to support and care for their children.