Family Court Litigation

A judge in a court of law, wearing a black robe with a white collar and a white tie, writing in a legal document with a pen at a wooden desk with legal books and a gavel.

Some disputes can't be settled at a table. Court is usually a last resort, but when it isn't optional, you need someone prepared to go the distance.

For high-conflict or urgent family law disputes, Drake family lawyers represent clients in family litigation across London, Sarnia, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and Toronto. In Ontario, family law proceedings are governed by the Family Law Rules, which set out the steps, timelines, and documents required throughout the process. Cases typically begin with an Application for new matters or a Motion to Change for existing court orders, followed by the exchange of documents, responses, and scheduled court appearances.

These may include a First Appearance, Case Conference, Settlement Conference, and, if the matter isn't resolved, a trial. At each stage, the court pushes for early settlement, full disclosure, and narrowing the issues in dispute. Parties are required to submit Financial Statements, Case or Settlement Conference Briefs, and Offers to Settle. In urgent matters, temporary motions may be brought before or after these conferences, depending on the circumstances.

If a case goes to trial, it's scheduled through a Trial Management Conference and governed by formal rules of evidence and procedure. Family litigation can be complex and slow, but sometimes it's the only way to protect your rights, get an enforceable order, or resolve a dispute the other side won't settle. When that's where you are, our team stands with you at every stage, from the first document filed to the last day in court.