Unified Family Court (UFC) system enables one court to deal with all family law issues. The court deals with all family law issues, whether they come under the purview of federal or provincial legislation.
What issues in Family Law are covered under the Unified Family Courts?
Where the Family Court branch exists, the court hears all family law matters, including divorce, division of property, child and spousal support, custody and access, adoption, and child protection applications.
What are the benefits of Unified Family Courts?
Unified Family Courts are established with provincial and federal collaboration and have specialized judges who hear all matters related to Family Law. Since the lawyers are experienced in hearing all types of Family Law disputes, the decisions taken at the Family Courts are more effective and occur in a speedy manner.
Another aspect is that they are easier to navigate by the parties and their lawyers since all of their matters are resolved in these courts only. It also improves access to justice for the self-represented litigants who are not using the services of lawyers for any reason.
Where are the Unified Family Courts available?
Unified Family Courts are currently available only in certain cities of Ontario including: Barrie, Bracebridge, Brockville, Cobourg, Cornwall, Hamilton, Kingston, Lindsay, London, L’Original, Napanee, Newmarket, Oshawa, Ottawa, Peterborough, Perth and St. Catharines.
In cities where the Unified Family Courts are not present, the family law respondents attend the Superior Court of Justice, provincial Ontario Court of Justice or the Family Court branch of the Superior Court of Justice for different matters. The parties go to different courts based on the city they are residing and the issue in dispute.
Which issues in Family Law are governed by the Ontario Court of Justice?
Family Law matters heard in the Ontario Court of Justice include the matters governed by Ontario’s legislation or the provincial legislation. The main areas of dispute which are governed include custody, access, spousal and child support, adoption and child protection applications.
Divorce and division of property matters do not come under the purview of The Ontario Court of Justice.
Which issues in Family Law are governed by the Superior Court of Justice?
The Superior Court of Justice hears disputes in family law including the division of property, divorce, child and spousal support, access and custody.
Child protection matters and adoption-related issues are heard by the Superior Court of Justice only in the case of appeal.
How We Can Help
At Nanda & Associate Lawyers, our excellent Family Law lawyers help in making effective representation for all family law related matters. They understand your specific circumstances and provide tailored and customized solutions for each of them. Many legal complexities exist in navigating the proceedings at the Unified Family Courts, and an experienced family law lawyer can help you to navigate better.
Our Mississauga Family Law Lawyers are available for a consultation. Come and experience our quality legal counsel and personalized care we give to each client. We ensure prompt communication and a caring approach to get the best outcomes for you and your family.
