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Review hopes for ways to simplify the court process, including divorce

Many Ontarians going through a separation or divorce interact with the court system for the first time in their lives. They often already face significant financial and social changes to their life, their family and their children, before they start the court process
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Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General, Lindsey Park, hosted roundtables in Nipissing with MPP Vic Fedeli on family and civil court processes yesterday.

The meetings were part of a review of family and civil legislation, regulations, and processes in Ontario taking place this month. The review will explore ways to simplify family and civil court processes, reduce costs and delays, and encourage the earlier resolution of disputes. 

"Individuals, families, and businesses interact with the court processes every day and, more often than not, they face unnecessary delays and exorbitant legal costs to resolve their disputes," said Fedeli. "Particularly in the family law context, we need processes that help couples make the best decisions for them and their children with a court system that causes minimal additional stress and emotional strain."

By some estimates, over 40 per cent of marriages in Canada will end by the 30th year of marriage.

Many Ontarians going through a separation or divorce interact with the court system for the first time in their lives. They often already face significant financial and social changes to their life, their family and their children, before they start the court process. 

As part of the review, the Ministry of the Attorney General is looking for ways to:

  • direct family law matters out of a combative court process,
  • reduce the cost of the process to families and taxpayers; and
  • streamline the process to shorten the time to resolution.

Park will be meeting with members of the legal community and the public across Ontario during the month and will be accepting and reviewing written submissions with suggestions for improving family and civil legislation, regulations, and processes.

Send written submissions before July 31, by email to [email protected] or by mail to: 

Lindsey E. Park Parliamentary Assistant

Ministry of the Attorney General

McMurtry-Scott Building,

720 Bay Street, Floor 11

Toronto, ON M7A 2S9