Ontario Family Law – Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution Hearings

The binding judicial dispute resolution hearing process is now active in Ontario under r 43 of the Family Law Rules.

The Superior Court of Justice, including the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice, at approved court locations, now offers parties the option to request a binding judicial dispute resolution hearing.

A binding judicial dispute resolution hearing is a summary process to resolve family disputes. As an alternative to trial, the presiding judge assists parties in settling their issues on consent and can make final orders.

The parties submit a request form to participate in a binding judicial dispute resolution hearing. Not all cases are eligible for binding judicial dispute resolution. When the request is granted, the parties serve and file the required documents, followed by a confirmation form.

Specific timelines and affidavit requirements apply.

The binding judicial dispute resolution hearing process represents a significant shift in how parties can resolve their family law disputes, offering an alternative to trial.

By Lawyers Family Law guides have been updated to reflect this change in law and practice.