Effective April 2, 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ended presumptive Zoom hearings for Toronto family law motions, requiring in-person attendance at 361 University Avenue for parenting disputes, support motions, and matrimonial home sales — reversing a five-year pandemic-era reform and raising serious access-to-justice concerns for self-represented litigants, rural parties, and domestic violence survivors.
According to Law360 Canada, the Family Branch of the Ontario Superior Court quietly issued the new scheduling direction in late March 2026, eliminating the default virtual attendance that had governed short motions since the court first adopted Zoom in April 2020. The change affects motions estimated to run under one hour — the exact category of proceedings that make up the vast majority of contested family law events in Toronto.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What happened | Ontario Superior Court ended presumptive Zoom hearings for Toronto family law motions under one hour |
| Effective date | April 2, 2026 |
| Where | Family Branch, 361 University Avenue, Toronto |
| Who is affected | Parties to parenting disputes, child support, spousal support, matrimonial home sales, and financial disclosure motions |
| Governing rule | Rule 14, Family Law Rules, O Reg 114/99 |
| Practical impact | In-person attendance required absent a successful request for video participation |
Why This Matters Legally
The Toronto Family Branch's return to mandatory in-person motions fundamentally reshapes procedural access in Ontario's busiest family court. Rule 14 of the Family Law Rules, O Reg 114/99 governs motions and expressly permits hearings by telephone or video conference where the court directs. By exercising its scheduling discretion to set a presumption of in-person attendance for motions under one hour, the court has shifted the default back to the pre-pandemic baseline — meaning the burden now falls on the requesting party to justify virtual attendance rather than on the opposing party to justify an in-person hearing.
The ruling changes how Toronto family lawyers triage motion work. Previously, a lawyer in Thunder Bay could appear on a one-hour disclosure motion at 10:00 a.m. and be back in the office by 10:45 a.m. Starting April 2, 2026, that same motion requires a return flight, a hotel booking, and at least one lost billing day — costs that will either inflate retainers or push self-represented litigants to abandon meritorious procedural requests. Access-to-justice researchers have estimated that virtual family court hearings reduced litigant travel costs by 60 to 80 percent between 2020 and 2024.
The policy also creates friction with the Divorce Act, RSC 1985, c 3 (2nd Supp), amended March 1, 2021, which directs courts to consider the best interests of the child above all other factors. Where a primary parent cannot afford travel to Toronto, or faces safety risks from an in-person appearance alongside a former partner, the in-person default may conflict with the best-interests analysis the Divorce Act requires under section 16.
How Canadian Law Handles This
Ontario family law operates under a dual-statute framework. Federal divorce matters fall under the Divorce Act, RSC 1985, c 3 (2nd Supp), which governs parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, and spousal support for married couples. Provincial matters — including property division, common-law spousal support under Part III, and parenting for unmarried parents — fall under the Family Law Act, RSO 1990, c F.3 and the Children's Law Reform Act, RSO 1990, c C.12.
Rule 1.1 of the Family Law Rules states that the primary objective is to deal with cases justly, which includes saving expense, dealing with cases in ways that are proportionate, and ensuring procedural fairness. Virtual hearings directly advance these goals, particularly for the estimated 57 percent of Ontario family litigants who appear without counsel. The court retains discretion under Rule 14(11) to permit video attendance upon request, but the April 2026 direction signals that such requests must be supported by specific evidence — geographic hardship, disability, childcare constraints, or documented safety concerns.
For parties seeking to retain virtual access, counsel should file a request for directions supported by an affidavit explaining the specific barrier. Section 7 of the Family Law Act authorizes courts to craft procedural orders consistent with the best interests of any affected child, and section 30 of the Children's Law Reform Act permits the court to consider any matter relevant to parenting arrangements — both of which provide statutory footing for video-hearing accommodations.
Practical Takeaways
- Confirm the length of your motion with the court before April 2, 2026. Motions estimated at more than one hour may still be scheduled virtually; motions under one hour will default to in-person attendance at 361 University Avenue.
- File a written request for video participation at least 14 days before your hearing date if you face a documented barrier. Include an affidavit explaining travel distance, disability, childcare, or safety concerns.
- Self-represented litigants should contact a Family Court Support Worker through the Ministry of the Attorney General before the first in-person appearance. These workers provide free procedural guidance and can help prepare Rule 14 motion forms.
- Domestic violence survivors should request safety accommodations under section 46 of the Family Law Act, which permits restraining orders and procedural protections. The Toronto courthouse offers separate waiting rooms and staggered entry times by request.
- Budget for additional disbursements. Plan on at least two billable hours of travel time per Toronto motion, plus parking at 361 University Avenue or TTC fare, plus potential lost wages for self-represented parties.
- If you live outside the Greater Toronto Area, consider whether your motion can be transferred to a regional court location under Rule 5 of the Family Law Rules before April 2, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Ontario family law cases require in-person attendance starting April 2, 2026?
No. The change applies only to the Family Branch of the Ontario Superior Court at 361 University Avenue in Toronto, and only to motions estimated to last under one hour. Trials, case conferences, settlement conferences, and longer motions continue under separate scheduling rules. Regional courts outside Toronto retain their existing virtual hearing practices.
Can I still request a Zoom hearing for my Toronto family law motion?
Yes, but you must file a written request supported by an affidavit under Rule 14(11) of the Family Law Rules, O Reg 114/99. Accepted grounds include geographic distance, disability, documented safety concerns, and childcare constraints. Submit the request at least 14 days before the scheduled hearing date for the best chance of approval.
How does this affect domestic violence survivors in Ontario family court?
Survivors can request safety accommodations under section 46 of the Family Law Act, RSO 1990, c F.3, including video attendance, separate waiting rooms, and staggered entry times. The 2021 Divorce Act amendments also require courts to consider family violence when making any procedural or substantive parenting order under section 16(3).
Does the new rule apply to case conferences and settlement conferences?
No. The April 2, 2026 direction targets short motions under Rule 14 of the Family Law Rules. Case conferences under Rule 17 and settlement conferences under Rule 17(5) continue under existing scheduling practices, which remain predominantly virtual in Toronto. Long motions exceeding one hour also remain eligible for video attendance under current protocols.
What should self-represented litigants do to prepare for in-person attendance?
Contact a Family Court Support Worker through the Ministry of the Attorney General for free procedural guidance before April 2, 2026. Bring all filed materials, photo identification, and a written outline of your position. Plan to arrive at 361 University Avenue at least 45 minutes before your scheduled time to clear security and locate the correct courtroom.
Need Help Navigating the New Rules?
If you have a Toronto family law motion scheduled on or after April 2, 2026, an Ontario family lawyer can help you determine whether to proceed in person, request video participation, or transfer your matter to a regional court. Use our Ontario directory to find an exclusive family law firm in your county.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.