Form 8 Family Law: Your First Step in Starting a Case in Ontario

Starting a family law case can feel like stepping into the unknown - especially when you're the one initiating it. Emotions are running high, you're trying to make the right decisions, and suddenly you're handed a stack of legal forms with names like “Form 13A” and “Support Deduction Order.” Where do you even begin?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The first step in the Ontario family law process is filing a Form 8 family law application. Understanding this part can bring much-needed clarity to what comes next.

Let’s walk through it together.

What Is a Form 8 Family Law Application and Why Does It Matter?

The Form 8: Application is your first formal move as a litigant in family court. It tells the court what you're asking for - whether it’s decision-making responsibility (custody), parenting time (access), child or spousal support, property division, or divorce. It frames your entire case.

What you include in your Form 8 matters. It lays out the foundation for everything that follows, so take the time to be thoughtful and accurate.

Additional Forms You May Need to File

Form 8 is just the start. Depending on your circumstances, other forms may be required to complete your application properly. Here’s a breakdown:

• Form 13 or Form 13.1 (Financial Statements)

  • Use Form 13 if your case involves support (child or spousal).

  • Use Form 13.1 if you’re also dividing property or equalizing net family property.These forms outline your income, expenses, assets, and debts—and they must be honest and complete.

• Form 13A (Certificate of Financial Disclosure)This form confirms that you’ve disclosed your financial documents to the other party. Transparency is a legal obligation in family law.

• Form 35.1 (Parenting Affidavit)Required in cases involving children, this form outlines your proposed parenting plan, your relationship with the children, and any safety concerns.

• Support Deduction Order + Support Deduction Order Information FormThese are submitted when support is being requested. They allow Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office (FRO) to enforce support payments effectively.

Tip: Not all forms apply to every case. Be sure to read each one carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Filing unnecessary or incorrect forms can cause delays—or worse, undermine your case.

A Helpful Resource

If you’re looking for clear, step-by-step guidance, Steps to Justice (by CLEO) offers an excellent breakdown of how to start your application, including flowcharts and explanations in plain language.

Real Talk: From Confusion to Confidence

When I was in law clerk training, I remember staring down these same forms in my first semester and feeling totally lost. Every assignment felt like a test I wasn’t ready for. But by the third semester, something shifted - the forms started making sense, and I could finally see the bigger picture.

That journey from confusion to confidence is something I witness often with my clients too. You might not feel ready at first, but you’re more capable than you think.

You’ve Taken the First Step—Now What?

Once you’ve completed your forms, take a moment. You’ve just accomplished the first major step in a legal process that can feel daunting. That’s no small thing.

From here, you’ll need to:

• File your documents with the court

• Serve the other party

• Wait for their response

• Prepare for the next stage - whether it’s negotiation, mediation, or court

Each stage has its own flow and rules, but starting with a well-prepared Form 8 gives you a strong foundation.

Need Support? Let’s Talk.

If you’re just beginning your family law journey and aren’t sure your paperwork is solid, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Alliston Resolutions, we’ll walk through your application with you, clarify your goals, and help ensure everything is complete and accurate.

Book a consultation today- let’s make this first step a confident one.filed and served?