Helpful links
Know what support is out there
Helpful Links and Resources
When you are facing a family law matter, one of the hardest parts is simply knowing where to begin. There is more help available in Ontario than most people realize, and much of it is free.
The organizations below offer legal information, referrals, and support at a range of costs. Some can help you understand the process. Others can connect you with a lawyer or help you complete the forms you need. Take what is useful and leave the rest.
Resource List
Steps to Justice
Free, plain-language guidance created by Community Legal Education Ontario. The Guided Pathways ask you a series of questions about your situation, then use your answers to fill in the court forms you need. You can save and print your documents when you are finished. There is a dedicated pathway for family law, and another for abuse and family violence.
Good for: Understanding the process and preparing court documents on your own.
Law Society of Ontario
The Law Society regulates every lawyer and paralegal in the province. Its Law Society Referral Service can connect you with a lawyer in your area who will provide an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes at no charge, so you can get a sense of your rights and options. You can also use the directory to confirm that anyone you are considering hiring is in good standing.
Good for: Finding a lawyer and confirming they are properly licensed.
Legal Aid Ontario
Legal Aid Ontario provides free legal services to people with low incomes, including family matters such as parenting arrangements, support, and restraining orders. Eligibility depends on your income and the type of issue you are facing. If you are not certain you qualify, call and ask to speak with a family lawyer for free summary advice, and mention right away if you are experiencing abuse.
Good for: Free legal help if your income is limited, and urgent support involving abuse.
Justice Net Program
JusticeNet is a non-profit service for people who fall in the middle: your income is too high to qualify for legal aid, but standard legal fees are out of reach. The lawyers, mediators, and paralegals listed with JusticeNet have agreed to take on qualifying clients at reduced rates based on income and family size. You register first, then search the directory for a professional near you.
Good for: Reduced-fee legal help when you do not qualify for legal aid.
PRO BONO ONTARIO
A separation rarely stays in one lane. Housing, employment, debt, and consumer issues often surface at the same time, and Pro Bono Ontario's hotline offers up to 30 minutes of free legal advice on civil matters like these. Please note that the hotline does not handle family law, immigration, or criminal matters, so it is best used alongside family law support rather than in place of it.
Good for: The non-family legal issues that often arise during a separation.
Cliquez Justice
A free French-language legal information portal created by the Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Ontario. It explains your rights and the court process in clear, everyday French, with an entire section devoted to family law and separation. The site also lists French-speaking lawyers across Ontario, so you can be represented in French.
Good for: Francophone clients who want legal information and representation in French.
The organizations listed on this page are independent of Stow Wilson Law. We provide these links as a convenience and general information only. We do not control the content of these websites and are not responsible for the accuracy of the information they contain, or for any services they provide. Nothing on this page is legal advice or creates a solicitor-client relationship.
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
These resources are a good place to begin, but they cannot tell you how the law applies to your specific situation. If you would like advice tailored to your circumstances, I am glad to help. You will leave our consultation with a clear understanding of your options and your next steps.