Law Talk: Accessing justice through Family Law
The twists and turns of family law are not easily navigated. Trying to find out where to go, what to do and what forms to fill out will probably leave you with the feeling that you are hopelessly lost. Most people, upon finding themselves in such a predicament, seek out a lawyer who has the skill and knowledge to guide them. However, there is another option; The Family Law Information Centre (FLIC).
The FLIC is a Legal Aid Ontario service that operates with the sole purpose of providing the general public with information about the family law system in Ontario. There is a FLIC located in each of the 17 Provincial Family Courts. Located on the ground floor of the downtown courthouse, the London and Middlesex FLIC is a great way to find out what you need to know in order to proceed in the realm of family law.
The Centre has court staff on hand, ready to provide you with comprehensive information about how the court system works. There are also numerous written materials available and the Ministry's Procedural Guide, which specifically outlines court procedures. As well, if you are having trouble deciding on a course of action, you can speak with a Legal Aid lawyer who will give you free advice about your specific situation and help you understand all the relevant issues involved.
The FLIC will also outline other options that you may want to explore. The Referral Coordinator will give you contact information for family mediation or parenting services in the area.
The FLIC also provides pamphlets on issues of separation, divorce and child protection. The most important of these is the comprehensive pamphlet “What You Should Know About Family Law in Ontario.” This pamphlet is published by the Ontario government and covers all the main issues related to family law. This pamphlet is also available online at http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/familyla.pdf.
Family law can be confusing and daunting if you are new to the game. The FLIC is your “one-stop shop” for all the information you need to set you on the right track. Why not go down and get informed? It is a great community resource that can help make the legal system easier to navigate.
This column provides legal information only. If you need legal advice please contact a lawyer, community legal clinic or the Lawyer Referral Service at 1-900-565-4LRS (a $6 charge will apply). You can contact Community Legal Services at the Faculty of Law, University of Western Ontario at 519-661-3352 to book an appointment to discuss your legal issue. Fanshawe College students may also book an appointment to attend our outreach clinic at the college. Please call us at 519-661-3352 to book an appointment.
The FLIC is a Legal Aid Ontario service that operates with the sole purpose of providing the general public with information about the family law system in Ontario. There is a FLIC located in each of the 17 Provincial Family Courts. Located on the ground floor of the downtown courthouse, the London and Middlesex FLIC is a great way to find out what you need to know in order to proceed in the realm of family law.
The Centre has court staff on hand, ready to provide you with comprehensive information about how the court system works. There are also numerous written materials available and the Ministry's Procedural Guide, which specifically outlines court procedures. As well, if you are having trouble deciding on a course of action, you can speak with a Legal Aid lawyer who will give you free advice about your specific situation and help you understand all the relevant issues involved.
The FLIC will also outline other options that you may want to explore. The Referral Coordinator will give you contact information for family mediation or parenting services in the area.
The FLIC also provides pamphlets on issues of separation, divorce and child protection. The most important of these is the comprehensive pamphlet “What You Should Know About Family Law in Ontario.” This pamphlet is published by the Ontario government and covers all the main issues related to family law. This pamphlet is also available online at http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/familyla.pdf.
Family law can be confusing and daunting if you are new to the game. The FLIC is your “one-stop shop” for all the information you need to set you on the right track. Why not go down and get informed? It is a great community resource that can help make the legal system easier to navigate.
This column provides legal information only. If you need legal advice please contact a lawyer, community legal clinic or the Lawyer Referral Service at 1-900-565-4LRS (a $6 charge will apply). You can contact Community Legal Services at the Faculty of Law, University of Western Ontario at 519-661-3352 to book an appointment to discuss your legal issue. Fanshawe College students may also book an appointment to attend our outreach clinic at the college. Please call us at 519-661-3352 to book an appointment.
