These sessions are designed to help parents understand the effects of separation and divorce on children.

Parent Information Sessions at Family Court Locations

All 17 Family Court locations offer parent information sessions.

Topics covered in the sessions include:

• the negative effects on children of protracted litigation and hostility between parents
• children's needs at various stages of development
• parenting responsibilities and strategies for problem solving after separation
• the impact of violence in the family on children
• community resources for children

All parents involved in a separation, or contemplating separation, may attend these sessions and judges may recommend that parties to custody and access disputes participate in them. Arrangements are made to ensure that each parent attends a separate session.

Contact the service provider at these locations for information about when these sessions are being held.

Parent Information Program in Toronto

The Parent Information Program at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto provides two-hour sessions that cover the following topics:

• how to complete court paperwork
• the language of court proceedings
• the role of lawyers
• alternatives to litigation
• types of custody arrangements
• support obligations and their enforcement
• how to calculate child support under the guidelines
• the impact of separation on both children and adults

This is a voluntary program consisting of a 2.5 hour seminar, presented by a lawyer and a social worker. Participants are provided with printed material and a list of resources. A three hour follow up seminar dealing with communication strategies for separated parents is also offered.

Information sessions are held at 1 Dundas Street West (Yonge/Dundas) and 47 Sheppard Avenue East. For more information and a schedule of upcoming seminar dates, please call (416) 650-8104 or visit www.pip.yorku.ca.

Family Information Sessions at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto

At the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, all parties in contested matters are required to attend a Family Information Session where they obtain information about the process of separation and divorce, options for dispute resolution, legal procedures and support available in the community. Parties are not permitted to proceed to the next step in the case, which is a case planning meeting with a judge, unless they have a certificate of attendance. Judges can make exceptions in cases of urgency, hardship or for other compelling reasons.

The sessions are presented by a lawyer who volunteers his or her time to the project. The sessions are held regularly throughout the month. Arrangements are made to ensure that each party attends a separate session.

To register, or for more information, please call (416) 326-6214.

In the Community

Many community organizations offer similar programs. Information about these programs may be available in the FLIC. You can also look for these services at www.211.ca.

Resource List - Parent Information

Extensive list of books and websites for adults and children covering separation and divorce, parenting, emotional and financial issues. Includes age appropriate reading suggestions and interactive websites.