Legal help can feel out of reach — but Ontario has a real network of free and low-cost supports, and many people don't know what's available. Here's a practical rundown. Availability and eligibility vary, so check each option for your situation; this is general information, not legal advice.
Legal Aid Ontario
Legal Aid Ontario provides services for people with low incomes, which can include a legal aid certificate for a lawyer in some family matters, summary advice, and a telephone line. Eligibility is income-based — it's worth checking even if you're unsure you qualify.
Family Law Information Centres (FLICs)
Family Law Information Centres are located at family courthouses and offer free information about the process, options, and resources — often including access to duty counsel or an advice lawyer for eligible people.
Community legal clinics and law school clinics
Community legal clinics and student legal clinics at law schools assist with certain matters depending on the clinic and your circumstances. They can be a valuable source of free help — coverage varies, so ask what they handle.
Duty counsel and advice lawyers
At many courthouses, duty counsel can give eligible people on-the-spot advice or help on a given day. It's not full representation, but timely advice at the right moment can make a real difference.
Referrals and reduced-fee options
- The Law Society of Ontario's referral service can connect you with a lawyer for a short consultation
- JusticeNet helps people with modest incomes find reduced-fee professionals
- Many lawyers offer limited-scope (unbundled) help — paying for advice on specific steps
Reliable free information
Steps to Justice offers trustworthy, plain-language guides to Ontario family law — a great place to understand a step before you take it.
How SteadCase helps
Whatever help you use, you'll get more from it when you're organized. SteadCase keeps your case in one private place and produces an Export Summary you can bring to an advice lawyer or clinic — so their limited time goes to helping you, not gathering facts. If you're self-represented, that's a real advantage.
This is general educational information for Ontario, not legal advice. Court rules and your situation matter — consider speaking with a lawyer, paralegal, or your local Family Law Information Centre.