Family Law Resources

Family Mediation Centre, Sarnia Site

Family mediation is a voluntary method of dispute resolution where a neutral third party can help parties resolve issues arising out of their family law matter. Issues for mediation may include custody, access, child support, spousal support, and division of property.

COVID-19 Updates

At this time, the Family Mediation Centre is not providing in-person information and mediation services, however they continue to provide services remotely. Further information can be found on the Family Mediation Centre website.

In-person, on-site mediation and information referral services are currently suspended. However, Information Referral Coordinators (IRCs) and Mediators are able to assist remotely. You can call 1-888-796-0483 to be connected with the local IRC or Mediator. All messages left on this answering service will be returned by the local IRC or Mediator on their next scheduled shift.

Legal Aid Ontario

At Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), those who would have received in-person legal aid services through the Family Law Information Centres can get help from LAO over the phone by calling 1-800-688-8258. More family staff lawyers have been added to increase capacity.

LAO will waive financial eligibility requirements for summary legal advice. Legal eligibility requirements remain in place. Family staff lawyers should respond to any inquiry within 48 hours.

Law Society

For urgent court cases, with support from the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice, the Law Society has launched an emergency family law referral telephone line to provide assistance to people who are self-represented (SRLs) and who are trying to determine whether or not their family court matter meets the criteria to be heard by the Court on an “urgent” basis and, if so, how to proceed in making their request.

This temporary, emergency service will connect SRLs with family lawyers, working on a pro-bono basis, who will provide 30 minutes of legal advice specific to determining whether or not their family court matter is urgent and for referrals to other available legal services.

Additional services may be available from the lawyer on a private retainer basis, from Legal Aid Ontario, from the Law Society Referral Service or the private unbundled family law roster. To access this service, which will be staffed during regular business hours, you can contact the Law Society by phone at 1-800-268-7568 or 1-416-947-3310.