Inside Family Court
About this Event
Inside Family Court is a one-day educational event designed to help self-represented litigants better understand the family court process and the resources available to them.
The event features educational presentations from legal professionals, along with an exhibitor area where attendees can connect with lawyers, mediators, forensic accountants, court support organizations, and other legal professionals and service providers. The conference schedule identifies the speakers and presentation topics, while additional professionals and organizations are available throughout the day to provide information about their services and resources.
Whether you are just beginning your family court matter or preparing for trial, Inside Family Court provides practical information to help you better navigate the family justice system.
Registration fees are low so the event is accessible to everyone. Together, we are improving access to family justice in Ontario.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Opening Remarks
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:40 AM
The Motion Playbook: A Practical Guide to Temporary Orders
Info: Temporary motions can have a significant impact on the direction of your family law case. This session will provide a practical guide to bringing or responding to a motion, from determining whether a motion is appropriate to preparing persuasive motion materials. Learn how to organize your evidence, draft effective affidavits, prepare a compelling factum, and present your arguments clearly in court.
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:25 AM
Financial Disclosure: From Required to Ridiculous
Info: Explore the spectrum of financial disclosure in Family Law: What is legally required, what you should provide strategically, what you should ask for and what you should expect will be asked of you. We will consider how to separate necessary and relevant disclosure from requests that are disproportionate and possibly abusive, with practical guidance on how to draw the line.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Mastering Conferences: What Really Happens at Conferences
Info: Family court conferences are one of the most important parts of the litigation process, yet they are often misunderstood by self-represented litigants. This session will take you inside every stage of the conference process, explaining the purpose of each conference, how they actually unfold in the courtroom, and the types of orders that can and cannot be made. Learn the practical ins and outs of preparing conference briefs, and presenting your position effectively. You’ll also gain a clear understanding of the differences between conferences and motions, including why conference briefs are not sworn evidence and how that affects the issues a judge can decide. Learn how to avoid the common pitfalls so you can approach every conference with confidence.
🕑: 12:05 PM - 01:00 PM
Research Like a Lawyer: Mastering CanLII and CaseLines
Info: Learn how to find, understand, and use case law to strengthen your position in family court. This session will cover how to search for relevant decisions on CanLII, identify helpful precedents, and understand how judges rely on prior cases. You’ll also receive an introduction to CaseLines, including how it is used to organize and present documents electronically in court. Whether you’re researching legal principles or preparing for a hearing, this session will help you confidently navigate the legal resources available to self-represented litigants.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch Time / Exhibit Booth
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Beyond the Courtroom: Smarter Ways to Resolve Family Disputes
Info: Court is not the only path to resolving a family law matter. Explore the advantages of collaborative law, negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and learn when each option may be appropriate. Gain practical knowledge to help you resolve disputes more efficiently while protecting your legal position.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Build It Right: Creating a Strong Separation Agreement
Info: A separation agreement can shape your financial future, parenting arrangements, and legal rights for years to come. Learn what provisions should be considered, which clauses are essential, and how the terms of an agreement should be tailored to your family’s unique circumstances. This session will explore common pitfalls, important protections, and practical drafting considerations to help you understand what makes a strong, comprehensive separation agreement and why every clause matters.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:40 PM
Follow the Money: Understanding Business Finances in Family Law
Info: Understand what financial records can reveal in a family law case. This session explores forensic accounting and business valuation, covering financial disclosure, guideline income, business interests, and how to recognize potential financial irregularities. Learn how financial experts analyze complex business records and how these findings can influence support, equalization, and other financial issues in family law.
🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:10 PM
The Art of Settlement: Using Offers to Settle to Avoid Trial
Info: An effective Offer to Settle can be one of the most powerful tools in family law. Learn when and how to prepare strategic Offers to Settle, including why they should be served before a Settlement Conference, how they can encourage meaningful negotiations, and how they may significantly impact costs if your matter proceeds to trial. This session will also explain what happens after an offer is accepted, including how it is converted into Minutes of Settlement and ultimately a Consent Order, bringing your court case to a conclusion without the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial.
🕑: 04:10 PM - 05:00 PM
Trial Ready: Mastering the Family Courtroom
Info: A successful trial requires more than knowing the law. It requires preparation, confidence, and effective courtroom advocacy. This session will guide you through every stage of a family law trial, including presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, courtroom etiquette, making persuasive submissions, and avoiding common mistakes. Develop the practical courtroom skills needed to present your case in an organized, professional, and persuasive manner.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Exhibit Booth & Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 20.00
