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SUPPORTING

FAMILIES

We know from countless studies and reports that Canada's justice system is failing low-income families. The system is too complex, too slow and too expensive. Approximately 50-80% of people involved in a family law dispute have no choice but to self-represent (to "go it alone") in a system premised on the expectation that both parties will have the benefit of a trained advocate. In short, families are suffering during what is often described as the worst time in their lives. 

PBSC has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to supporting families through innovative programming.

 

In 2019, through our award-winning Family Law Project (FLP) in partnership with Legal Aid Ontario, our volunteers assisted over 1,200 self-represented litigants across Ontario. This included filling out over 2,330 court forms and providing 2,080 hours of pro bono support directly to families in need.

 

In the fall of 2020, PBSC, Epstein Cole, and Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) partnered to launch the Family Justice Centre (FJC). The FJC is a first of its kind initiative bringing together law students and pro bono lawyers to offer free legal services to low-income self-represented family law litigants in Ontario. In the inaugural year of operations, 100% of FJC clients in our survey sample indicated they would recommend FJC services to others. The FJC continues PBSC’s tradition of combatting the family justice by supporting families in need.

HIGH DIVORCE RATE

 

A 2015 study found that approximately 40% of marriages will end in divorce.

EXORBITANT COSTS

 

The cost of a two-day trial

is estimated to be over

$30,000 as of 2015.

 

SELF-REPRESENTATION

 

50-80% of Canadians involved

in a family law dispute opt to self-represent.

 

FAMILY JUSTICE

CENTRE

The substantial and long-standing challenges faced by Ontarians attempting to access the family justice system have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. People are less able to afford legal services as a result of job and/or income loss, and prolonged court closures have resulted in significant backlogs for individuals engaged in or starting litigation.  

 

To address this gap, the FJC hosts regular virtual legal clinics for Ontarians dealing with family law issues who are unable to afford a lawyer, but do not meet the threshold to qualify for legal aid services. At the clinics, private bar family law lawyers supervise PBSC law students in the delivery of unbundled legal services to self-represented litigants. Law students administer the virtual clinics and work with clients to prepare their court documents under the supervision of lawyers. Additionally, law students working with the FJC create public legal education materials pertaining to family law, including short videos, flowcharts, and other interactive resources.

CONTACT

To learn more or get involved, please contact Jason Goodman. 

Are you in need of legal advice, information or representation?

Click here for resources.

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