Family Court Trials in Ontario

Experienced trial lawyers who can step in at any stage and carry your case to the finish line.

If your family case is heading to trial, stalled in court, or you need a lawyer to step in fast, we can help. PLS trial counsel builds a clear case theory, prepares your evidence, and advocates for you in court. We join cases early or late, fix what went wrong, and keep you informed at every step. Serving Toronto, GTA, and Simcoe County.

Who we help

• You are already in court and need strong courtroom advocacy.
• Your last experience in court was not successful and you want a reset.
• You need a lawyer to step in last minute for a looming motion, conference, or trial.
• You want trial-ready strategy on parenting, support, or property.

What we handle

• Parenting: decision-making, parenting time, mobility and relocation disputes.
• Support: child support and spousal support, variations, arrears issues.
• Property: equalization, matrimonial home, disclosure, expert evidence.
• Urgent steps: last-minute briefs, trial records, witness prep, and courtroom coverage.

How family trials work in Ontario

Most cases settle, but some must be decided by a judge after a trial. At trial, each side presents opening statements, evidence from witnesses and documents, closing submissions, and then receives a decision from the judge.

Key pre-trial steps

• Conferences: case, settlement, and trial management conferences help narrow issues and plan trial. Forms and briefs are required under Rule 17.
• Trial Record: the party setting the trial serves and files the trial record at least 30 days before trial.
• Evidence rules: the Family Law Rules set how evidence is presented, including affidavit and oral evidence.
• Costs: there is a presumption that the successful party is entitled to costs, subject to factors like offers to settle and conduct.

How we step in

• Rapid case intake and file triage.
• Trial calendar review and deadline map.
• Fix gaps: disclosure, witness lists, exhibit books, briefs.
• Trial management strategy and speaking notes.
• Focused negotiation and offers to settle to control risk.

Our courtroom approach

• Clear case theory: what the judge needs to hear and why it matters.
• Tight evidence: witnesses, documents, expert reports, and admissions.
• Efficient presentation: organized, respectful, and to the point.
• Cost awareness: strategy that balances outcome, time, and cost.

What to expect on your trial day

Arrive early. We manage scheduling, witness order, and exhibits. We lead direct examination of your witnesses, cross-examine the other side, and make closing submissions that align the facts with the law and your requested orders.

Common outcomes we seek

• Final parenting schedule and decision-making orders.
• Fair child and spousal support, with arrears managed where needed.
• Property and equalization orders with timelines for completion.
• Costs orders that reflect your success and reasonable conduct. Ontario

Why choose PLS for trial work

• Courtroom experience with practical, plain-language advice.
• Step-in capability at any stage, including last minute.
• Transparent fees and proactive cost management.
• Client-first service until the job is done.

What to bring to your first meeting

• Any court orders, filings, and correspondence.
• Financial disclosure, tax returns, support calculations.
• A short timeline of key events and a list of witnesses.

Ready to act now?

If you have a trial, motion, or conference date approaching, call 416-948-5757 or book online at https://plslawyers.ca/contact/. We will move fast.

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