The vast majority of family cases settle long before trial — but if yours is heading there, preparation is what carries you. A trial is formal and demanding, especially without a lawyer, and the work is mostly in the weeks before, not the day itself. Here's a realistic guide to getting ready. This is general information, not legal advice — and if trial is on the horizon, getting legal help, even limited-scope, is well worth it.
First: is trial really the only path?
Because trials are costly and stressful, it's worth confirming there's no settlement still possible — through a settlement conference, mediation, or negotiation. Many cases settle even at the courthouse door. If genuine issues remain, then you prepare to prove them.
Know what a trial involves
At a high level, each side presents evidence — through witnesses and documents — and makes submissions, and a judge decides. There are rules about how evidence goes in and how witnesses are questioned. Understanding the shape of the day removes a lot of fear; see the family court process for where trial fits.
Organize your evidence and exhibits
Trial rewards the organized. Pull together your evidence into a clean exhibit book, with an index, grouped by issue. Build a chronology you can navigate instantly. You want to be able to find any document in seconds.
Plan your witnesses and questions
Think about who can speak to what, and prepare your questions in advance. Plan how you'll present your own evidence, and anticipate the questions you may be asked. Writing this out beforehand keeps you steady under pressure.
Prepare your submissions
Be able to state, clearly and briefly, what you're asking the court to decide and why — tied to the facts and the children's best interests where parenting is involved. Practice saying it out loud. Calm and concise beats long and heated.
Look after the basics
- Confirm dates, times, and what to bring; arrive early
- Organize your materials so nothing is lost on the day
- Be respectful to the court and the other party — composure is credibility
- Line up any support for yourself outside the courtroom
How SteadCase helps
Everything you've logged over the life of your case becomes your trial prep: the Case Log, Evidence Tracker, and Export Summary give you an organized record and chronology to build your exhibit book and submissions from — and to hand a lawyer if you bring one in for the trial.
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.