The right form, served the right way

Starts most family court cases (parenting, support, property, divorce).

When: When you are the first person bringing the case to court.

• •Be specific in your claims — list exactly what orders you want.
• •Attach the right supporting documents (e.g. Form 35.1 for parenting claims).

Used for a simple or joint divorce.

When: When divorce is the main or only relief sought.

• •A simple divorce asks only for the divorce itself.
• •You'll need your marriage certificate.

Proves to the court that the other party was properly served.

When: After you serve any document — file this to prove it was done correctly.

• •The person who served the documents (not you, for special service) swears this.
• •Record the exact date, time, place, and method of service.

Discloses income and expenses where only support is at issue.

When: Any case involving child or spousal support without a property claim.

• •Attach proof of income (pay stubs, last 3 years of tax returns and notices of assessment).
• •Incomplete disclosure is the #1 cause of delay — be thorough.

Full disclosure of income, assets, and debts where property is also claimed.

When: Married spouses dividing property (equalization) and/or claiming support.

• •List values as of the date of marriage, separation (valuation date), and today.
• •Keep your backup documents organized.

Asks the court to make an order before the final resolution of the case.

When: For interim relief — temporary parenting time, support, or restraining orders.

• •Pair it with a Form 14A affidavit setting out your evidence.
• •Serve it within the timelines in the Family Law Rules.

Your sworn evidence supporting a motion.

When: With nearly every motion — this is where your facts and exhibits go.

• •Stick to facts you personally know; attach proof as lettered exhibits.
• •Organize chronologically and group incidents into patterns (financial control, isolation, intimidation).

For simple, procedural, or uncontested motions handled in writing.

When: Routine requests (e.g. extending a deadline) that don't need a hearing.

• •Faster and cheaper than a full motion when the other side consents or it's procedural.

Required parenting affidavit describing the child's circumstances and any family violence.

When: Whenever you seek decision-making responsibility or parenting time.

• •This is where you describe coercive control and its impact on the children.
• •Be concrete: dates, behaviours, and effects on the child.

Responds to an Application and raises your own claims.

When: When you've been served with a Form 8 Application and want to respond.

• •You usually have 30 days (60 if served outside Canada/US) — do not miss this deadline.
• •You can make your own claims in the Answer.