Know The Law

Legal Library Category

Family Law

Family Law collects the official statutes and rules used in Ontario family cases: divorce, parenting, child support, spousal support and procedure. The usual starting texts are the Divorce Act, the Family Law Act, the Children's Law Reform Act and the Family Law Rules.

This shelf is the legal text. Step-by-step public walkthroughs are in the Family Law learning pages.

31Legal references
29Official sources tracked
2Jurisdictions

Start here

Key official references

The Ontario Family Law RulesOntarioFebruary 16, 2026 Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3OntarioSeptember 18, 2026 Divorce Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.))CanadaFebruary 16, 2026

Just added

Recently added in this area

Civil Marriage ActOctober 7, 2026 Provincial Child Support Service RegulationsSeptember 24, 2026 Order Designating the Province of Quebec for the Purposes of the Definition “applicable guidelines” in Subsection 2(1) of the Divorce ActSeptember 21, 2026 Order Designating the Province of Prince Edward Island for the Purposes of the Definition “applicable guidelines” in Subsection 2(1) of the Divorce ActSeptember 21, 2026 Order Designating the Province of Manitoba for the Purposes of the Definition “applicable guidelines” in subsection 2(1) of the Divorce ActSeptember 21, 2026 Order Designating the Province of New Brunswick for the Purposes of the Definition “applicable guidelines” in Subsection 2(1) of the Divorce ActSeptember 21, 2026 Child Support GuidelinesSeptember 18, 2026 Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 29September 18, 2026 Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 31September 18, 2026 Marriage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.3September 18, 2026 Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3September 18, 2026 International Recovery of Child Support and Family Maintenance Convention Act, 2023, S.O. 2023, c. 9, Sched. 16September 17, 2026

Primary law & references

Legislation, rules & legal resources

31 items

Acts and primary rules

Legal reference

Children’s Law Reform Act

Français Children’s Law Reform Act R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER C.12 Consolidation Period: From December 11, 2025 to the e-Laws currency date . Last amendment: 2025, c. 24, Sched. 2 . Legislative H…

Open reference →
ActOfficial source tracked

Civil Marriage Act

CitationS.C. 2005, c. 33 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Acts.

Open reference →

Regulations and other instruments

RuleOfficial source tracked

The Ontario Family Law Rules

CitationO. Reg. 114/99 JurisdictionOntario Government text current to2026-10-30

Ontario family court procedure: applications, motions, disclosure and trials.

Open reference →
RegulationOfficial source tracked

Child Support Guidelines

CitationO. Reg. 391/97 JurisdictionOntario Government text current to2026-11-02

Current legal reference synchronized from Ontario e-Laws.

Open reference →
RegulationOfficial source tracked

Family Law Matters

CitationO. Reg. 287/11 JurisdictionOntario Government text current to2026-10-29

Current legal reference synchronized from Ontario e-Laws.

Open reference →
RegulationOfficial source tracked

Secure Treatment Programs

CitationO. Reg. 21/22 JurisdictionOntario Government text current to2026-10-30

Current legal reference synchronized from Ontario e-Laws.

Open reference →
RegulationOfficial source tracked

Transitional Matters

CitationO. Reg. 157/18 JurisdictionOntario Government text current to2026-10-30

Current legal reference synchronized from Ontario e-Laws.

Open reference →

About this area

Understanding Family Law

Family Law in Ontario: Statutes, Regulations, and Court Rules

Your Resource for Ontario Family Legislation

Navigating family legal matters requires a clear understanding of the legislative framework that governs domestic relations in Ontario. This page provides a centralized directory of the primary Family Law statutes and regulations used in Ontario courts. Whether you are researching child support guidelines, property division, or divorce procedures, KnowTheLaw.ca offers a streamlined way to access the current text of the law.

Key Family Law Statutes & Resources

On this page, you can find direct access to the most frequently cited legislation, including:

  • The Family Law Act (Ontario): Rules regarding property division, support obligations, and domestic contracts.
  • The Children’s Law Reform Act (CLRA): The primary statute governing parenting time, decision-making responsibility (formerly custody and access), and guardianship.
  • The Divorce Act (Federal): Federal legislation applicable to married spouses seeking a divorce, including secondary rules for support and parenting.
  • Family Law Rules: The specific procedural rules that dictate how a family law case moves through the Ontario Court of Justice or the Superior Court of Justice.
  • Formal Tables & Guidelines: Access to the Federal Child Support Guidelines and information regarding the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG).

Important Legal Disclaimer

KnowTheLaw.ca is an information repository, not a law firm. The materials provided on this Family Law page are for educational and research purposes only.

Family law is highly sensitive and fact-specific. The information provided here does not constitute legal advice or legal analysis. We do not provide opinions on how these laws apply to your specific situation. Accessing this site does not create a paralegal-client or solicitor-client relationship. We strongly urge you to consult with a licensed legal professional to discuss your rights and obligations regarding family law matters.