If you’re a survivor of domestic violence and can’t afford a lawyer—or don’t qualify for Legal Aid—you might have to represent yourself in Family Court. That can feel overwhelming, especially if you're facing your abuser in the courtroom.

This guide offers practical, survivor-focused tips for managing court on your own in Ontario.

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• Decide your legal goals before starting:

  • Sole custody (decision-making responsibility)

  • Parenting time (supervised or no access)

  • Child support or spousal support

  • A restraining order (Form 9C)

  • Emergency or interim orders

• Focus on safety, stability, and the best interests of the child

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• Key stages include:

  • Application (Form 8A)

  • Response from the other party

  • Case conferences and settlement meetings

  • Motions or urgent hearings

  • Trial (if no agreement is reached)

• You can learn procedures from court staff, online resources, or Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)

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• Forms commonly needed:

  • Form 8A – Application (General)

  • Form 35.1 – Parenting affidavit (details abuse history)

  • Form 14B – Motion for temporary relief

  • Form 14 – Fee waiver (if needed)

  • Form 3B – Affidavit of service

• Always attach evidence: police reports, medical notes, texts, emails, photos

• Keep copies and organize everything in folders (one for you, one for the court)

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• Ask the court for:

  • Separate waiting rooms or entry points

  • Remote hearings or virtual attendance

  • No-contact orders during proceedings

  • Support person (shelter worker, friend, or advocate)

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• Practice explaining your concerns calmly and clearly

• Focus on how the situation affects your child, not just you

• Prepare short speaking notes for each hearing

• Avoid legal jargon—plain language is acceptable

• Always address the judge respectfully (e.g., “Your Honour”)

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• Even without a full lawyer, you can get help from:

  • Duty Counsel (free legal help at the courthouse)

  • Family Law Service Centres

  • Legal Aid Ontario advice lines

  • Women’s shelters or DV legal clinics

• Luke’s Place offers help specifically for women self-representing in abuse-related cases

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• You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to speak your truth

• Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed

• Keep a court journal with dates, deadlines, and what was said

• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification in court

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• ✅ Identify your legal goals and prepare key forms early

• ✅ Ask for safety accommodations at every step

• ✅ Keep your evidence and documents well organized

• ✅ Speak to free legal workers or duty counsel

• ✅ Focus on the child’s well-being and your right to safety

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• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258 (Advice lines & duty counsel)

• Luke’s Place – Family court help for self-representing survivors

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511

• Barbra Schlifer Clinic – Legal support & accompaniment

• 211 Ontario – Community-based legal supports and referrals

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The most important thing is to be prepared and organized. Know what you are asking for and have all your evidence clearly laid out. Your credibility with the judge depends on being factual, calm, and focused on the best interests of your children.

Go to the courthouse early and find the Duty Counsel office. Duty counsel are Legal Aid lawyers who provide free legal advice to low-income people at the courthouse. They can review your documents and give you advice before you go into the courtroom.

You have the right to be safe. You can speak with the court staff or a Family Court Support Worker ahead of your court date to request safety measures. This can include using a separate entrance, having a support person with you, or participating in the hearing via video conference from a safe location.

To start a family law case in Ontario, you will typically need Form 8: Application (General). If you are dealing with parenting issues (custody and access), you must also complete Form 35.1: Affidavit in Support of Claim for Custody or Access.

A FLIC is located in most family courthouses in Ontario. It's a free drop-in service where you can get general information about the family court process, find the correct court forms, and get referrals to other free resources like mediation and legal advice clinics.

Yes. Luke's Place is a well-known organization in Ontario that provides specialized support, resources, and legal coaching for women who have been subjected to abuse and are representing themselves in family court.