Facing Family Court Alone? Family Law Information Centres Can Help

If you’re stepping into the family court system without a lawyer, you're not alone, but you may feel like you are. The process can be overwhelming, confusing, and deeply emotional. For self-represented applicants or respondents, it often feels like trying to build a house without a blueprint.

That’s where Family Law Information Centres (FLICs) come in. Located in most Ontario courthouses, these centres offer free support for individuals navigating separation, custody, or divorce without legal representation. Whether you're dealing with parenting plans, court forms, or just trying to understand where to begin, FLICs can be a lifeline.

What Are Family Law Information Centres?

You may be wondering: What exactly does a Family Law Information Centre do?

The short answer is, quite a lot.

FLICs offer:

• General information on separation, divorce, custody, and child protection

• Guidance on family court procedures and what to expect

• Access to free services like mediation and counselling referrals

• Help connecting with Duty Counsel or legal aid (if eligible)

• Assistance with understanding forms and next legal steps

Whether you're preparing for a case conference or figuring out how to serve documents, the professionals at FLICs are there to make sure you’re not left guessing.

You can find detailed information about services and locations on the Ontario Government’s Family Law Information Centres page.

Support Designed for the Self-Represented

One of the most valuable aspects of Family Law Information Centres is that they are designed specifically for people who are not hiring a lawyer. That means they’re set up with you in mind: someone trying to manage the legal, emotional, and logistical aspects of separation or divorce on your own.

From the legal language to the court steps, the system can feel designed for professionals. FLICs help bridge that gap by offering:

• Plain-language explanations

• Printed and online resources

• Connections to additional services like family mediation

And they do all of this without cost.

The People Behind the Counter Want to Help

It’s important to know that the people who work in or around FLICs—duty counsel, mediation staff, information referral coordinators, aren’t just there to do a job. Many have chosen this line of work because they care. They see the strain families are under and bring both clarity and compassion to an often cold legal process.

That said, you have to take the first step. FLICs don’t come to you, you go to them. But that first step can be the difference between feeling lost and feeling informed, between panic and a plan.

A Real Path Forward—Without the Legal Fees

If you’ve been worried about how you’ll manage this on your own, take heart: you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t necessarily need a lawyer to make meaningful progress. Family Law Information Centres are one of the best tools Ontario offers for self-represented individuals.

And if you're looking for help beyond the courtroom, like sorting out parenting schedules, property division, or communication with your ex, mediation may be a helpful next step too. At Alliston Resolutions, we offer family-centered mediation services designed to reduce conflict and build lasting solutions.

Next Steps: Get the Support You Deserve

If you're facing family court without a lawyer, don't let fear or confusion hold you back. Visit a Family Law Information Centre near you and start getting the help you need—free of charge.