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Changes to family law

On March 1, 2021, several changes to family law took effect. Besides revising parenting terms and defining family violence, the changes say:

  • partners must think about using an alternative dispute resolution process or family dispute resolution process to resolve their issues out of court
  • courts must consider the more detailed best interests of the child test
  • parents with a court order about parenting must usually give notice before they move or relocate with their child

Ontario's family court forms have been revised to reflect these changes. People going to court must use the new forms as of March 1. Old forms won't be accepted after this date. CLEO's Family Law Guided Pathways can be used to complete the new family court forms.

This month's On the Radar looks at some of these changes.