By Russell Alexander
Gary Joseph recently shared some thoughtful insights on the complexity of family law appeals in Ontario—and he’s absolutely right. Our current system is too complicated, too confusing, and frankly, overdue for real reform.
If you’ve ever tried to figure out the right path to appeal a family law decision in Ontario, you already know what I’m talking about. Whether you’re a lawyer or a self-represented litigant, navigating the appeal process can feel like entering a maze with no map. The rules change depending on the type of court, whether the decision is final or temporary, what statute applies, and even the dollar amount involved.
This tangled web isn’t just frustrating—it’s a barrier to justice.
Every week, lawyers across the province are calling colleagues to double-check appeal routes. I know, because I get those calls too. If seasoned professionals are unsure of the process, how can we expect families in crisis to make sense of it?
And here’s the problem: when the rules are unclear, people either give up their right to appeal or make costly mistakes that derail their case. That’s not fair, and it’s not how a justice system should work.
Yes, some steps have been taken to clean things up. Amendments have been made, and there’s been some momentum toward reform. But we’re not there yet. What we need now is a clear, single, streamlined appeal process for family law cases in Ontario—one that puts families first and doesn’t require a legal degree to understand.
This doesn’t mean we’re encouraging more appeals. In fact, the opposite is true. A simpler system would reduce confusion, lower legal costs, and help families resolve issues faster.
At the end of the day, the right to appeal is a cornerstone of our justice system. But if people can’t access it because the process is too complicated, then that right becomes meaningless.
It’s time to fix this. Let’s bring together experienced judges, lawyers, and justice sector leaders to design a better path forward—one that works for everyone, not just the legal insiders.
Access to justice starts with access to understanding. Let’s make family law appeals simpler, clearer, and more accessible for Ontario families.
