MEDIA ADVISORY - New website designed to help Ontarians with family legal problems

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2019 /CNW/ - A new website designed to help Ontarians with their family law needs will officially launch on February 12, at a special reception that will take place at the Law Society of Ontario.

The Family Law Limited Scope Services Project aims to improve access to family justice for middle income Ontarians by increasing the use of limited scope retainers and legal coaching, also known as "unbundled" legal services. These services are an option between full representation and no representation at all. The Project provides access to these services through the website, which includes a searchable roster of trained lawyers who are willing and able to provide such services in communities across Ontario.

The website presents easy-to-understand, step-by-step information on limited scope services and legal coaching in family law matters for both the public and practising lawyers. In addition, it offers practical tools such as checklists, flow charts, precedent retainer agreements, as well as resources and referral information for family legal services in Ontario.

Guest speakers at the reception will include:

• The Honourable Heather Smith, Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice
• Linda Rothstein, Chair of the Law Foundation of Ontario Board of Trustees
• Laurie Pawlitza, Past Treasurer, Law Society of Ontario, Partner, Torkin Manes
• Annie Kennet, Chair of the Family Law Section, Canadian Bar Association Ontario.

Details
Date:               Tuesday, February 12^th
Location:        Law Society of Ontario, 130 Queen St. West
Time:              5 to 7 p.m.

Editor's Note:
The Family Law Limited Scope Services Project is a collaborative legal project funded by The Law Foundation of Ontario with the aim of improving access to family justice for middle and lower income Ontarians by increasing the use of limited scope retainers (such as court document drafting or in-court representation on a single appearance), legal coaching (lawyer assists client by offering advice, guidance and support) and summary legal counsel (scheduled lawyers provide day-of-court assistance for a fee to unrepresented litigants not eligible for Legal Aid).

Members of the media interested in attending the reception are asked to register in advance. This event is by invite-only and space is limited.

SOURCE The Law Foundation of Ontario

To register, or for more information (data, photos, interviews), please contact: Helena Birt, FLLSS Program Director, 905-975-2914, or [email protected]