Why Family Law Forms in Ontario Feel Overwhelming—and How Mediation Can Help

A small sample of the many forms of family law

Introduction

The one thing family law has no shortage of is forms. If you've ever tried to navigate the Ontario Court Forms website, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Under the Family Law Rules section, there are over 100 different forms. That’s not a typo. Whether you're dealing with divorce, custody, or support, chances are there’s a form—or five—you’ll need to fill out. And while these forms are necessary for due process, they can also be deeply overwhelming. Even as someone with legal training, I remember just how challenging some of them were.

A Law Clerk’s Perspective: Behind the Forms

When I was in college, going through the Law Clerk program, we spent time working through some of the key family law forms. I still remember Form 8A (Application Divorce), Form 13 (Financial Statement Support Claims), and Form 13B (Net Family Property Statement). These forms weren’t impossible to complete, but they were incredibly time-consuming. It wasn't just the length, it was the details, the tiny checkboxes, the legal terminology that needed interpreting. And sometimes, we weren’t even working with an updated PDF. Nope. Word documents, clunky formatting and all, were still a thing and still is. This wasn’t just frustrating. It was a lesson in patience, precision, and how much administrative work goes into the legal system before a matter even sees a courtroom.

The Forms of Family Law Can Be Daunting

Even outside the classroom, the reality is the same. I know of one individual who took it upon themself to fill out their own family law forms. And while it can be done, the feedback I heard from them?

Tedious. Time-consuming. Nuanced.

There are just so many details; what box to tick, what form to attach, what date matters most. That time commitment, layered on top of an already emotional situation like separation or parenting arrangements, can be a heavy burden to carry alone.

Mediation: A Way Around the Paper Trail

But here’s the good news: there is a way to avoid much of this paperwork minefield.

Family law mediation can drastically simplify the process. Instead of filing multiple forms and preparing for court dates, mediation offers a more streamlined and human-centered path forward. With the help of a neutral mediator, many issues - custody, division of property, support - can be resolved without stepping foot in a courtroom.

Mediation not only reduces emotional strain, but it can also eliminate the need for many of the standard court forms altogether. That’s a huge relief for people who are already juggling stress, uncertainty, and life transitions.

Next Steps

If you’re feeling weighed down by the paperwork of family law, mediation could be a gentler path forward. Let’s talk. Book a free consultation with Alliston Resolutions and explore your options, we’re here to make the process feel lighter.