Note to Readers
This Handbook is intended as a reference for self-represented family litigants appearing in Canadian courts. While this Handbook cannot anticipate all of the possible situations that may arise, and it is difficult to keep up with changes in the rules and practices of each relevant Court (see Section 17: Resources), it provides a starting point that will assist and guide litigants.
This handbook does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide. The handbook provides general information only. Certain laws and court procedures are different in each province and territory – Quebec in particular has some distinct laws (e.g. Civil Code of Quebec) and procedures. Moreover, as noted, these changes may be frequent – especially during emergencies. Information in this handbook may not be applicable to your situation.
Language
Throughout this document, the term “self-represented” is used to describe persons who appear without representation from a lawyer. The use of this term is not meant to suggest inferences about the reasons the individual is without representation, nor about the quality of his or her self-representation.
This handbook tries to describe legal processes in plain language, but we provided definitions for words that are not normally used outside of the legal context in Section 16: Glossary.
Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks have been added where referenced material is available online. Clicking “Ctrl” and on a link in the Handbook will open the target document in your default web browser.