The Family Justice Centre
In 2021, PBSC launched the Family Justice Centre (FJC), a first-of-its-kind initiative engaging family lawyers and law students from across Ontario to address longstanding gaps in province's family justice system. The FJC hosts virtual legal clinics for self-represented litigants dealing with family law issues who do not qualify for legal aid but are unable to afford a lawyer. At the virtual clinics, family lawyers supervise law students in the delivery of free, unbundled legal services, including summary legal advice, legal coaching, court form drafting, and targeted referrals. The FJC also develops public legal education resources to support self-represented litigants in navigating the family law process on their own. The FJC was founded through the generous contributions of our Program Partner, Legal Aid Ontario, and our Champion Partner, Epstein Cole LLP, and they have been joined by our Champion Partner, Shulman & Partners LLP, Clinic Supporters, In-Kind Partners, and the Friends of the FJC in supporting this important program.
.png)
Clinic Supporters
In-Kind Partners
Friends of the FJC
To find out if the FJC can help you, please call during one of the times listed below. You will speak with a law student who will ask you questions about your situation to determine whether the FJC can assist you. If the FJC can help, you will be scheduled to meet with a lawyer during one of our clinics.
Please note that law students are not permitted to provide legal advice.
If you are not able to call during one of the times below, you can leave a voicemail including your name and phone number and a law student will call you back.
Please note that intake and clinics are only available to residents of Ontario at this time.
REOPENING MAY 13, 2024
The FJC is temporarily closed. We will reopen on May 13, 2024.
Our intake schedule will be updated on this website and in our voicemail message in advance of our reopening.
Please check back in early May 2024 for more information.
647-952-3354
DISCLAIMER: Please note these videos contain general legal information and NOT legal advice. Law students are not permitted to provide legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer for legal advice regarding your matter.
A CLIENT'S JOURNEY
NOTE: Blue boxes indicate work happening outside of clinic hours!
Final forms are emailed to client with resource explaining how to sign, serve, and file the documents
SERVICE COMPLETE
Lawyer, student, and client meet to review final forms
Student sends forms to lawyer for review & approval. May involve:
-
The exchange of drafts between lawyer and student until forms complete
Student drafts court forms. May involve student:
-
Speaking again to client to get further information
-
Speaking with PBSC Program Manager for guidance
START HERE
Client has family law issue but cannot afford to hire a lawyer
Client contacts the FJC to complete an intake
Law student conducts intake to determine financial eligibility, gather basic information about client, situation
Student provides referrals to client because client ineligible
SERVICE COMPLETE
Client meets with lawyer (student present also)
Lawyer provides summary advice
SERVICE COMPLETE
Lawyer provides summary advice & suggests client proceed with court documents
Client drafts using CLEO's guided pathways
SERVICE COMPLETE
WHAT ARE
'UNBUNDLED LEGAL SERVICES'?
Also known as ‘limited scope representation’, the ‘unbundling’ of legal services allows lawyers to assist with a specific part of a client’s legal case. Unbundling gives clients and lawyers the freedom to decide which tasks may be performed by the client themselves, and which should be performed by the lawyer, offering a more accessible pathway to justice. The FJC will only be providing unbundled legal services in the form of summary advice and, when appropriate, assistance with document drafting.
SERVICES OFFERED
PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION
Short videos, flowcharts, pamphlets, and other interactive resources to assist self-represented litigants in navigating the family law system.
SUMMARY LEGAL ADVICE
There can be many paths to a resolution. Get a lawyer's opinion on your case before determining how to proceed.
DRAFTING COURT FORMS
With the assistance of law students, filling in court forms is a less daunting task.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I am very pleased that the FJC has so quickly become a reality, bringing together public-minded lawyers, students and technology to address access to justice challenges facing family law clients.
— Philip M. Epstein, O.Ont., O.Can, Q.C., LSM, LL.D
OTHER RESOURCES
LEGAL AID ONTARIO
Request a lawyer referral online and receive a free consultation of up to 30 minutes to help determine your rights and options.
Contact to request free unbundled legal services for your family law matter.
Contact a student legal aid clinic to seek assistance with your family law matter.
Find step-by-step information about your family law matter.
Find a lawyer who charges reduced rates for qualifying clients seeking family law services.
Resource for women/children seeking safety from violence/abuse.
Free legal services for women who have experienced violence or abuse in the areas of immigration and family law.
Free family law advice, information and support for women who have experienced violence, including virtual appointments with family law lawyers.