Understanding the law and the court process can be confusing. When you don’t have the right information, it can be harder to resolve your family law case, prolong the dispute, and cost you more money. It is important to get legal advice and representation. Here are some places that provide referrals or names of lawyers.

• There is a Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) at every courthouse where you can learn about how to find legal services in your community.

• The Law Society Referral Service will give you the name of a lawyer in your community and a 30-minute free consultation. You can also call the referral service’s crisis line between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. They can be reached toll-free at 1-855-947-5255 or at 416-947-5255 from the Greater Toronto Area.

• If your income is low, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) may give you a certificate to pay for your own lawyer. For information on how to apply for legal aid, go to their website or call toll-free at 1-800-668-8258.

• If you are at a Family Court branch and your case is about parenting issues or support, you may also be able to get help at court from LAO’s duty counsel program.

• Limited Scope Services Project is a directory of family lawyers who provide unbundled (pay-per-service) legal services, including attending at certain court events, assisting with negotiation or mediation in an out-of-court matter and providing legal coaching or drafting court documents.

• Ontario Legal Information Centre offers bilingual legal information and referral services to anyone in Ontario with a legal problem. 1 (844) 343-7462 - info@centreinfojuridique.ca - https://centreinfojuridique.ca/provides the names of lawyers who offer sliding scale legal rates based on your income.

• Family Justice Centre provides free, supervised student drafting assistance for people who qualify financially. 647-952-3354

• Urgent/Emergency Family Law Referral Telephone Line- free telephone advice for people who do not have a lawyer and who believe they have an urgent or emergency family law matter. (Law Society of Ontario) 1-800-268-7568 or 416-947-3310