Family
Family law cases are heard at all Superior Court locations across the province. However, the federal and provincial laws that apply to family law also determine which level of court handles specific family law issues. For instance, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has sole jurisdiction in all cases involving divorce and the division of property, while child protection and adoption cases must be heard in the Ontario Court of Justice. Both courts can hear cases related to parenting, child custody and access issues, financial support for spouses and children, and urgent safety issues.
Family Court Branch of the Superior Court of Justice
In 25 locations across Ontario, this split jurisdiction has been consolidated into a single court known as the Family Court. This specialized court, created by the Courts of Justice Act is a branch of the Superior Court. At any of the 25 Family Court sites, all family law matters can be addressed within this unified court, including divorce, division of property, child and spousal support, child custody and access, child protection, and adoption.
