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Ontario family court forms explained (a plain-language map)

June 9, 2026 · 7 min read · Educational, not legal advice

Ontario family court runs on forms, and the numbering can be baffling at first. You don't need to memorize them — but a basic map helps you understand what people are referring to and what each step needs. Here's a plain-language overview of the main forms. Always confirm the current versions and requirements on the official site, and get advice on completing them; this is general information, not legal advice.

How the forms fit together

Broadly, forms fall into a few buckets: starting and responding to a case, putting your evidence forward, dealing with money, and asking for or recording orders. The complete, current set lives at Ontario Court Forms.

Starting and responding

  • Form 8 — Application: starts a case and sets out what you're asking for
  • Form 10 — Answer: the responding party's reply (and any claims of their own)
  • Form 6B — Affidavit of Service: proof that documents were served

Evidence and motions

  • Form 14 / 14A — Notice of Motion and Affidavit: to ask for a temporary order, with your sworn evidence
  • Form 35.1 — Affidavit (parenting): used to provide parenting-related information
  • Form 13A — a tool for listing the documents you're relying on (a 'continuing record')

Money

  • Form 13 — Financial Statement (Support Claims): for support-only cases
  • Form 13.1 — Financial Statement (Property and Support Claims): when property is involved

For more on those two, see our guide to financial disclosure.

Orders

When a judge makes a decision, it's recorded in a formal order (for example, Form 25). Keep your orders organized and safe — you'll refer back to them.

A few tips

  • Use the current version from the official site — forms change
  • Fill them out completely and accurately; sworn forms must be true
  • Watch deadlines for filing and serving
  • Consider a limited-scope lawyer review before you file or swear

How SteadCase helps

SteadCase won't fill in forms for you, but it makes them far easier to complete: your dated facts live in the Case Log, your documents in the Evidence Tracker, and your dates in Court Dates & Deadlines — so the information a form asks for is already organized. See also the family court process.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I find Ontario family court forms?
The official, current forms are published at ontariocourtforms.on.ca under the Family Law Rules forms. Always use the latest version, since forms are updated periodically.
Which financial statement do I use — Form 13 or 13.1?
Broadly, Form 13 (Financial Statement — Support Claims) is for cases about support only, and Form 13.1 (Financial Statement — Property and Support Claims) is used when property is also at issue. Confirm what applies to your case using the official forms or with a lawyer.
Do I have to fill out forms perfectly?
Forms should be complete and accurate, and sworn forms must be true — errors and omissions can cause delays or problems. Many self-represented people have a lawyer review key forms (a good use of limited-scope help) before filing or swearing them.

Organize your case in one calm place

SteadCase is a private organizer for Ontario family court preparation — log events, track evidence, keep your dates straight, and build a summary to share. Free to start.

SteadCase provides organization tools and educational information only. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak with a lawyer, paralegal, or your local Family Law Information Centre.