What are Practice Directions?

In Ontario, practice directions are a key component of your legal proceeding. Each jurisdiction in Ontario has its own set of practice directions. Ontario’s practice directions provide guidance on how to properly file documents with the court, communicate with the court, upload digital copies of court documents to Case Center, schedule motion or other types of court appearances, attend virtual hearings, and many other topics that will affect how your family law matter moves through the court process. In addition to the provincial practice directions each jurisdiction within the province has their own set known as regional practice directions.

Ontario is broken down into 8 different regions: 

• Central South

• Central East

• Central West

• East 

• Northeast

• Northwest

• Southwest

• Toronto

When submitting documents to court for your family law matter, it is important to follow what is set out  in any relevant legislation, Family Law and Civil Procedure Rules and Regulations that pertain to your case along with the provincial and regional directions. Local practice directions normally provide details on the maximum page lengths for certain court documents, the mode of proceedings (in-person, virtual, etc.), how and when to file your documents with the court, what courts in the area these rules apply to, how to schedule dates with a particular court, and so on. 

If you’re looking for more information about what procedures and practices are followed by your local courthouse, and how to properly move your case forward in the court system in Ontario, whether as a self-represented person or not, reach out to a qualified lawyer at Hines Legal for tailored independent legal advice.

DISCLAIMER: The blog sets out a variety of materials relating to the law to be used for educational and non-commercial purposes only; the author(s) of the blog do not intend the blog to be a source of legal advice. Please retain and seek the advice of a lawyer before choosing to act on any information included in the blog.