Service is the formal delivery of court documents to another person in a way permitted by the Family Law Rules.
Process
Serving family court documents
Court: Ontario family courts — court-specific procedure may differ
Service is the formal delivery of court documents to another person in a way permitted by the Family Law Rules.
Serving a document and filing it with the court are different acts. Service gives the document to the other party or person in a permitted way; filing puts the document into the court record. The Family Law Rules distinguish between regular service and special service, and some documents must be served by a person other than the party.
After service, the person who actually served the document normally completes the proof of service required by the rules, commonly Form 6B. The method, date, recipient and documents served matter because they can affect whether service was valid and when a later deadline begins.
Regular and special service
The permitted method depends on the document and the stage of the case. Opening documents and certain other documents have stricter service requirements than routine materials.
Proof of service
Form 6B records who served what, on whom, when and how. It proves the service event; it does not itself make an invalid method of service valid.
Deadlines after service
When a rule measures time from service, the calculation must follow Rule 3 and any special timing provision for the particular document.
Law and rules
Relevant official provisions
Binding law / official textCentral West Region Practice Direction
Rule 13 — (3.1) of the Family Law Rules sets out which documents MUST be included with a Financial Statement where child or spousal support has been sought. An updated Certificate of Financial Disclosure must be provided to the other party.
A party who has not made all reasonable efforts to comply with their disclosure obligations may be subject to a cost sanction, directions/terms imposed and/or the adjournment of any motion brought by that party until compliance. In egregious cases, upon motion, continued non-compliance may result in a party’s pleadings being struck or found in contempt of Court.
C. Motions to Change
The Family Law Rules direct the Court to determine the next steps in a Motion to Change, with a view to ensuring that these motions proceed in the most efficient manner appropriate in the circumstances. The Court is directed to determine the most appropriate process for reaching an expeditious and just conclusion of the case in the circumstances.
A new Motion to Change Endorsement form is available here. Parties are encouraged to provide a draft Motion to Change Endorsement form with their materials for the first judicial conference to obtain early direction regarding the most appropriate process for the case.…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — Central West
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Rule 13 — (3.1) of the Family Law Rules addresses the documents that must be included with a party’s financial statement where child or spousal support has been sought. A party should provide an updated Certificate of Financial Disclosure (Form 13A) to the other party with this documentation.
If disclosure cannot be resolved prior to the case conference, the party seeking disclosure must include in their materials a list of the outstanding disclosure in accordance with Rule 13(11.01) of the Family Law Rules .
The court may award costs pursuant to Rules 17(18) or 24(7) where a party has failed to comply with their disclosure obligations.
Counsel and parties should address all disclosure issues in advance of the settlement conference. Any motions for disclosure must be heard in advance of the settlement conference.
More information about financial statements and the documents that shall be exchanged to support a financial statement is available here .
1. Automatic Disclosure Orders Under Rule 8.0.1
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Binding law / official textCentral South Region Practice Direction
Part 3 — : Filing Court Documents
Filing Court Documents shall be in accordance with the requirements set out in the Consolidated Provincial Practice Directions, including naming conventions of electronic material being filed, filing methods, timelines for filing, and maximum length of material being filed, except as outlined in this Practice Direction.
A. Uploading to Case Center
Parties must comply with the requirements regarding uploading material to Case Center as outlined in the appropriate Provincial Practice Direction. This includes timelines for uploading materials in advance of a hearing and material that should not be uploaded to Case Center.
In addition to the requirements outlined in the Provincial Practice Directions, parties are encouraged to consult the material regarding Case Center on the Superior Court of Justice website, available here .
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — Central South
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Rule 8.0 — .1 of the Family Law Rules directs the court to issue an automatic order when certain claims are made in an Application, Motion to Change or Answer. This order requires parties to comply with their financial disclosure responsibilities.
The party who receives automatic order from the court must serve the order on every other party in the case according to Rule 8.0.1(5).
A party who has not made all reasonable efforts to comply with their disclosure obligations in advance of the case conference may be responsible for the other party’s costs.
Upon filing the originating materials, parties will receive a reminder to attend a Mandatory Information Program (Rule 8.1) and to provide an updated email address on all court documents.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Rule 1.3 — of the Family Law Rules requires a member of the public to give 10 days’ written notice to the parties before the member of the public may access a family court file involving:
Decision-making responsibility, parenting time or contact with respect to a child under the Divorce Act or Part III of the Children’s Law Reform Act ;
Orders under Part I of the Children’s Law Reform Act (parentage); or
International child abduction.
The member of the public must also send notice to the Children’s Lawyer if the Children’s Lawyer is representing a child in the case or conducting an investigation for the court.
After receiving notice, a party who wishes to restrict access to the file has 10 days to file a 14B motion. If such a motion is brought, court staff may refuse the requested access until the court decides the motion.
Before the member of the public is granted access to the file, they must file an affidavit (Form 14A) confirming 1) the date on which they gave notice under Rule 1.3, to whom and by what method; and 2) that they have not been served with a motion for a restricted access order.
The following persons are exempt from the notice requirement under Family Court Rule 1.3:
A party or their counsel;…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Binding law / official textSouthwest Region Practice Direction
Part 6 — : Additional Provisions Regarding the Unified Family Court- London and St. Thomas
A. Family Law matters
Paragraphs 17 – 23 also apply to all family law matters being heard in the Unified Family Court – London except for Child, Youth and Family Services Act .
Previously scheduled settlement conferences, motions, special appointments or summary hearings may be adjourned on consent by obtaining a new date from the Trial Coordinator. A confirmation must then be sent in changing the dates. If the confirmation is sent there is no need for attendance by counsel/party. A separate confirmation must be filed to confirm attendance on the new date in accordance with the Family Law Rules . No more than two consent adjournments will be permitted before an in-person attendance is required.
Trial management conferences with a set trial sittings date may only be adjourned by attendance before the Local Administrative Judge or his/her designate at a time that may be arranged through the Trial Coordinator.
Trial adjournment requests may be made at the Trial Readiness Court if they have not already been addressed at the Trial Management Conference. Attendance is required.…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — Southwest
Official Ontario information on online family-court filing, including the Ontario Courts Public Portal in Toronto and Family Submissions Online outside Toronto.
Government of OntarioOnline filing methods and regional portal informationSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ guidance on case conferences, including Form 17A, financial updates, Form 17F confirmation and Rule 17 service and filing.
Key points
Core case-conference forms
The OCJ identifies Form 17 (Conference Notice) and Form 17A (Case Conference Brief) for a case conference.
What the brief covers
The OCJ describes Form 17A as covering family information, financial circumstances, agreed and disputed issues, issues for discussion and proposed resolution.
Financial disclosure may need updating
The OCJ explains that an older financial statement may need to be updated and also points to Form 13A where financial disclosure is required.
Confirmation
The OCJ identifies Form 17F as the Confirmation of Conference and directs parties to Rule 17(14).
Service and filing
The OCJ points to Rule 17(13) and 17(13.1) for service and filing of conference briefs and gives current OCJ timing information.
Conference briefs have special record treatment
The OCJ notes that Form 17A does not go into the Continuing Record unless the judge orders otherwise.
Ontario Court of JusticeCase conference forms, preparation, confirmation, service and filingSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ step-by-step family-case material covering opening a case, responding, document filing and related court procedure.
Key points
Use current forms
The OCJ directs parties to use the latest versions available from Ontario Court Services.
Use one filing method
The OCJ warns parties not to submit the same filing through more than one filing method.
A portal upload is not automatically a filed document
For the Ontario Courts Public Portal, the OCJ explains that court staff review an uploaded document and advise whether it has been accepted or rejected for filing.
Guided Pathways can help complete forms
The OCJ points self-represented users to CLEO Family Law Guided Pathways and Steps to Justice for form-completion and public legal education help.
Ontario Court of JusticeStarting and responding; filing; current forms and online-filing informationSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ guidance on family motions, including motion types, common forms, service and filing, confirmations and motions to change.
Key points
There are different kinds of motions
The OCJ distinguishes ordinary motions, 14B motions, motions on consent, urgent motions and emergency or urgent motions without notice. Rule 14 is the procedural starting point for temporary orders.
Common motion forms
For a motion on notice, the OCJ identifies Form 14 as the Notice of Motion and Form 14A as the affidavit containing evidence supporting or responding to the motion.
Proof of service
The OCJ explains that Form 6B is filed as proof that motion documents were served.
Confirmation of the motion
The OCJ identifies Form 14C as the Confirmation of Motion and directs parties to the current Rule 14 confirmation requirements.
Financial material may need updating
Where a financial statement is required, the OCJ guidance explains that financial information may need to be updated and points to Form 13, Form 14A and Form 13A depending on the circumstances.
Motions to change use a different rule
The OCJ separately explains motions to change under Rule 15 and the Form 15 series, including additional parenting forms where applicable.
Ontario Court of JusticeMotions; temporary orders; service and filing requirements; motions to changeSource checked 2026-08-08
Current OCJ guidance on trial management conferences, including Form 17E, Form 17F, witness/document preparation and Rule 17 service and filing.
Key points
Purpose
The OCJ describes a trial management conference as the stage used to get the case ready for trial and identifies Rule 17(6) as the governing conference provision.
Forms
The OCJ identifies Form 17 and Form 17E: Trial Management Conference Brief as documents to complete, serve and file before the conference.
Bring a concrete trial plan
The OCJ tells parties to bring witness information, the documents they expect to rely on, and estimates for cross-examination time.
Trial issues come from the pleadings
The OCJ warns that the trial is limited to the issues raised in the original documents unless the case has been properly changed.
Confirmation
The OCJ identifies Form 17F as the Confirmation of Conference for a trial management conference and directs parties to Rule 17(14).
Continuing Record
The OCJ states that Form 17E is placed in the Continuing Record.
Ontario Court of JusticeTrial management conference forms, trial preparation, witnesses and confirmationSource checked 2026-08-07
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Cover - Continuing Record. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 1, “Cover - Continuing Record”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2006-12-31 and effective 2006-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Form 1 — Cover - Continuing RecordSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Management Plan - Schedule "A" to Judgment. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 1, “Management Plan - Schedule "A" to Judgment”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2021-04-30 and effective 2021-04-30.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesOffice of the Children’s Lawyer forms — Form 1 — Management Plan - Schedule "A" to JudgmentSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Cover - Child Protection Continuing Record. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 2, “Cover - Child Protection Continuing Record”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2006-12-31 and effective 2006-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Form 2 — Cover - Child Protection Continuing RecordSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Management Plan - Schedule "A" to Judgment. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 2, “Management Plan - Schedule "A" to Judgment”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2021-04-30 and effective 2021-04-30.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesOffice of the Children’s Lawyer forms — Form 2 — Management Plan - Schedule "A" to JudgmentSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Cover - Motion to Change Final Order volume. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 3, “Cover - Motion to Change Final Order volume”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2006-12-31 and effective 2006-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Form 3 — Cover - Motion to Change Final Order volumeSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Fee Waiver Request to Registrar, Clerk or Sheriff. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 3, “Fee Waiver Request to Registrar, Clerk or Sheriff”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2022-12-31 and effective 2022-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesCourt fee waiver forms — Form 3 — Fee Waiver Request to Registrar, Clerk or SheriffSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Answer (Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 cases other than child protection and status review). Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 33B.2, “Answer (Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 cases other than child protection and status review)”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2018-02-28 and effective 2018-04-29.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 33B.2 — Answer (Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 cases other than child protection and status review)Source checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Consent to openness order under s. 194 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 34M, “Consent to openness order under s. 194 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2018-02-28 and effective 2018-04-29.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 34M — Consent to openness order under s. 194 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017Source checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Consent to openness order under s. 196 or 197 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 34M.1, “Consent to openness order under s. 196 or 197 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2018-02-28 and effective 2018-04-29.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 34M.1 — Consent to openness order under s. 196 or 197 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017Source checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Cover - Endorsements volume. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 4, “Cover - Endorsements volume”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2006-12-31 and effective 2006-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Form 4 — Cover - Endorsements volumeSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Fee Waiver Request to Court. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 4, “Fee Waiver Request to Court”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2022-12-31 and effective 2022-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesCourt fee waiver forms — Form 4 — Fee Waiver Request to CourtSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Cumulative table of contents - page 1. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 5, “Cumulative table of contents - page 1”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2006-12-31 and effective 2006-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Form 5 — Cumulative table of contents - page 1Source checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Request for Court Interpreter by an Individual who has been Given Fee Waiver. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 5, “Request for Court Interpreter by an Individual who has been Given Fee Waiver”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2022-12-31 and effective 2022-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesCourt fee waiver forms — Form 5 — Request for Court Interpreter by an Individual who has been Given Fee WaiverSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Acknowledgment of Service. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 6, “Acknowledgment of Service”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2005-08-31 and effective 2006-04-30.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 6 — Acknowledgment of ServiceSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Cumulative table of contents - subsequent pages. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 6, “Cumulative table of contents - subsequent pages”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2006-12-31 and effective 2006-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Form 6 — Cumulative table of contents - subsequent pagesSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Fee Waiver Request to Registrar, Clerk or Sheriff By a Litigation Guardian For a Person Under Disability Or a Person Representing a Special Party. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 6, “Fee Waiver Request to Registrar, Clerk or Sheriff By a Litigation Guardian For a Person Under Disability Or a Person Representing a Special Party”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2022-12-31 and effective 2022-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesCourt fee waiver forms — Form 6 — Fee Waiver Request to Registrar, Clerk or Sheriff By a Litigation Guardian For a Person Under Disability Or a Person Representing a Special PartySource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Advertisement. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 6A, “Advertisement”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2015-03-18 and effective 2015-06-09.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 6A — AdvertisementSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Affidavit of Service. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 6B, “Affidavit of Service”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2016-04-11 and effective 2016-06-30.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 6B — Affidavit of ServiceSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Lawyer or Paralegal's Certificate of Service. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 6C, “Lawyer or Paralegal's Certificate of Service”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2023-03-31 and effective 2023-06-30.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 6C — Lawyer or Paralegal's Certificate of ServiceSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Application (general) (Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 cases other than child protection and status review). Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 8B.2, “Application (general) (Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 cases other than child protection and status review)”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2018-02-28 and effective 2018-04-29.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 8B.2 — Application (general) (Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 cases other than child protection and status review)Source checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Formal Requirements of the Child Protection Continuing Record under the Family Law Rules. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this family-law document as “Formal Requirements of the Child Protection Continuing Record under the Family Law Rules”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2005-10-31 and effective 2005-10-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Formal Requirements of the Child Protection Continuing Record under the Family Law RulesSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Formal Requirements of the Continuing Record under the Family Law Rules. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this family-law document as “Formal Requirements of the Continuing Record under the Family Law Rules”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2013-10-20 and effective 2013-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules — Continuing Record — Formal Requirements of the Continuing Record under the Family Law RulesSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario guidance on the Continuing Record used to organize documents filed in a family court case.
Key points
What it is
The Continuing Record is the court record used to organize filed family-case documents as the case moves forward.
Why self-represented parties see it
Forms, affidavits, orders and other filed material may be organized through the Continuing Record. Conference briefs can have special rules about whether they remain in it.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralThe Continuing RecordSource checked 2026-08-07
Official Ontario guide to the timing rules that apply when family-court documents must be served and filed.
Key points
Why this matters
Family court documents often have separate service and filing deadlines. This guide is the Ministry starting point for checking those time periods and how court days are counted.
Check the specific rule too
The deadline depends on the document and event.
Do not rely on a remembered deadline
Practice directions, court orders and the current Rules can affect what is required. Use the current linked sources for the particular filing.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralTimelines for serving and filing documentsSource checked 2026-08-07
The Superior Court guide explains the response process after an Application is served, including the Answer and related filing and service steps.
Key points
An Answer is the responding party’s main response
The Superior Court guide explains the steps for responding after an Application is served, including preparing the Answer and any other documents required by the issues in the case.
Service and filing are part of responding
Preparing the Answer is only one step. The response documents must also be served and filed within the applicable rules and court directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeHow do I answer a family law application?Source checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains family-court filing and directs users to the current provincial and regional filing directions.
Key points
Filing puts a document into the court record
The Superior Court guide describes online filing through the applicable portal and identifies limited circumstances where paper or email filing is used.
Follow current filing and document-naming directions
The court directs parties to current provincial and regional practice directions for filing requirements, including how electronic documents should be named.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeHow do I file my documents with the Court?Source checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains service in family cases and directs readers to the Family Law Rules for the required method and proof of service.
Key points
Service means formally giving court documents to another person
The Superior Court guide directs parties to the Family Law Rules for the permitted method of service. The required method can depend on the document being served.
Proof of service may be required
After service, the court may require proof showing what was served, when it was served and how it was served. Form 6B is the Affidavit of Service used for this purpose in many family-court situations.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeHow do I serve my documents on the other party?Source checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains the opening Application process and links the forms, service and filing steps used to start a family case.
Key points
An Application starts a family case
The Superior Court guide explains that a new family case begins with the appropriate Application and any other opening documents required for the claims being made.
Starting involves more than filling out a form
Opening documents must be issued or accepted by the court, served as required, and filed using the current court process. The correct court and courthouse should be confirmed first.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeHow do I start a new family case? (Applications)Source checked 2026-08-08
The provincial practice direction sets out current Superior Court family filing methods, electronic document naming, limited email filing and fee requirements, with Toronto-specific directions noted separately.
Key points
Use the current filing method for your region and document
The province-wide practice direction sets the main Superior Court family filing requirements and identifies exceptions where documents are filed by another method.
Regional directions still matter
The Superior Court directs parties to read both the province-wide family practice direction and the practice direction for the region where the case is being heard.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticePart A — FilingSource checked 2026-08-08
Ontario’s procedural guide explains the filing step in a family case and points users to the filing methods and court requirements that apply to their documents.
Key points
Filing is a court step
Filing means providing documents to the court for acceptance. It is different from serving the other party.
Use the current filing method
The available filing method can depend on the court, document and current court direction. Check the court’s current filing instructions before relying on an older workflow.
Acceptance matters
Uploading or submitting a document does not necessarily mean it has been accepted as filed. Court acceptance and any correction request still matter.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralFiling family-court documents; filing methods; court acceptanceSource checked 2026-08-07
Ontario’s procedural guide explains serving family-court documents, including who may serve, methods of service and the need to follow applicable time limits.
Key points
Serving and filing are different steps
Serving gives another party the documents in a permitted way. Filing is the separate step of giving accepted documents to the court.
Who may serve
The Ministry guide says a person serving documents must be at least 18 years old. Some documents have additional service requirements under the Family Law Rules.
Check the method and deadline
The required service method and deadline depend on the document and the applicable Family Law Rule.
Proof of service
After service, proof may have to be filed with the court. Form 6B is the Affidavit of Service used in many family proceedings.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralServing documents; who may serve; methods of service; proof of serviceSource checked 2026-08-07
Ontario’s procedural guide explains the steps involved in bringing a family-court motion and the service and filing requirements that accompany motion materials.
Key points
A motion asks for a court decision during a case
A motion is used to ask a judge to decide an issue before the whole case is finally resolved, subject to the Family Law Rules and any required conference step.
Motion materials must be served and filed
The moving party prepares the required motion and supporting material, serves the other parties and files the material within the applicable deadlines.
The type of motion changes the procedure
Regular motions, procedural motions, consent motions and urgent motions can have different requirements. CivilDocket separates those sources instead of assuming one workflow fits every motion.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralBringing a family motion; motion materials; service and filingSource checked 2026-08-07
Ontario’s procedural guide walks through the steps for starting a family case with an Application, including filing, service and the response period.
Key points
Starting documents define the case
The Application sets out the claims the applicant asks the court to decide. The correct application form depends on the kind of case and relief being requested.
File and then serve as required
Starting a case involves both filing/issuing the starting documents and serving the respondent in the manner required by the Rules.
The respondent has a response period
The guide identifies response periods after an Application is served. Always check the current Rule and guide for the deadline that applies to the place and manner of service.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralStarting a family case; preparing, filing and serving an ApplicationSource checked 2026-08-07
Plain-language guide to online family-court filing, current portal differences and using Guided Pathways to complete forms.
Key points
Many family documents can be filed online
The guide lists common family-case filings that can be submitted online when the filing service accepts that document and matter.
Toronto uses a different portal
The current Steps to Justice page notes that Toronto family filings use the Ontario Courts Public Portal, while other locations use the Justice Services Online process, subject to current court directions.
Uploading is part of a filing workflow
Users still need the required supporting documents and must wait for the filing service or court to accept the documents.
Guided Pathways can help prepare forms
Steps to Justice links to CLEO Family Law Guided Pathways before filing.
Steps to Justice / CLEOOnline filing; current portal information; Guided PathwaysSource checked 2026-08-07