Completing the 12-week Partner Assault Response (PAR) program is viewed positively by Ontario family courts, as it demonstrates accountability. However, completing the course does not automatically restore equal parenting time; judges prioritize child safety. The program costs between $0 and $300 CAD based on income.
When an Ontario marriage breaks down due to domestic violence, the legal fallout almost always spans two entirely different legal systems: the criminal courts and the family courts. If a spouse is criminally charged with assault in cities like Brampton, Hamilton, or London, the Crown attorney will often require them to complete the Partner Assault Response (PAR) program. This 12-week educational course is designed to help offenders recognize their abusive behaviours and learn healthy conflict resolution.
While completing the PAR program is primarily a tool used to resolve criminal charges-often leading to a peace bond or a conditional discharge-it has a profound ripple effect on your family law case. 🚨 In the Superior Court of Justice, where decisions about decision-making responsibility and parenting time are made, a judge will carefully scrutinize the abusive spouse’s behaviour. While the PAR program is a step in the right direction, navigating its impact on your family structure requires a nuanced legal strategy.
Understanding the PAR Program in Ontario
The PAR program is funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General and delivered by local community agencies across the province. It is important to understand how this program operates and how family court judges interpret the results.
| Feature | Criminal Court Impact | Family Court Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Satisfies Crown requirements to resolve charges (e.g., Peace Bond). | Shows the parent is taking actionable steps to improve their behaviour. |
| Victim Contact | Program staff will contact the victim for safety planning. | Victim’s feedback to PAR staff may influence the family judge’s view of safety. |
| Completion Certificate | Required to formally withdraw criminal charges. | Used as evidence in a motion to request expanded parenting time. |
| Failure to Attend | Can result in a breach of bail and a criminal trial. | Will severely damage any request for shared decision-making responsibility. |
Step-by-Step: How PAR Intersects with Family Court
If you have been mandated to take the PAR program and are simultaneously fighting for your parental rights in an Ontario family court, you must tread carefully. Most family lawyers advise their clients to follow these critical steps to rehabilitate their standing.
Step 1: Enrolling and Attending Without Delay
Do not wait to be forced into the program. Intake at PAR agencies in areas like Toronto and Mississauga can take weeks due to high demand. 📅 By enrolling proactively, you demonstrate to the family court judge that you are taking the allegations seriously and are committed to personal growth. Perfect attendance at the weekly 2-hour group sessions is absolutely mandatory.
Step 2: Obeying the Criminal No-Contact Order
While taking the course, you will likely still be under a criminal bail condition that forbids contacting your ex-spouse. Family court judges despise individuals who breach criminal orders. You must communicate regarding the children strictly through your lawyer or a third party approved by the court. Never use the PAR program as an excuse to reach out to your ex.
Step 3: Submitting the Completion Report
Upon finishing the 12 weeks, the agency will provide a final report. This report is not just a participation trophy; it details your level of accountability and engagement. 📄 Your family lawyer will file this report as part of an affidavit in the Superior Court of Justice. A positive report helps argue that the risk of domestic violence has decreased.
Step 4: Requesting a Gradual Return to Parenting Time
Do not expect a judge to instantly award you 50/50 parenting time just because you finished the class. The court’s only concern is the “best interests of the child.” Generally, your lawyer will use your PAR completion to petition the court to transition from strictly supervised visits at a local access centre to gradual, unsupervised parenting time in public settings.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Dealing with parallel criminal and family proceedings is financially draining. 💰 As of May 2026, you should anticipate the following general costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):
- PAR Program Fees: The program uses a sliding scale based on your income. Fees typically range from $0 to $300 CAD for the entire 12-week course.
- Criminal Lawyer Fees: Resolving the assault charge usually costs $2,500 to $6,000 CAD.
- Family Lawyer Fees: Fighting for parenting time in the Superior Court of Justice is expensive. Retainers start at $5,000 CAD, and a contested custody battle can easily exceed $15,000 to $30,000 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline requires immense patience. The PAR program itself takes exactly 12 weeks, plus a few weeks of initial intake processing. However, the family court process moves much slower. Getting a motion heard to alter your parenting time schedule based on your PAR completion generally takes 3 to 6 months, and finalizing a complete divorce and parenting agreement can take 1 to 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does finishing the PAR program erase my criminal record?
Completing PAR does not automatically erase a record. However, it is usually part of a deal with the Crown to receive a Peace Bond or a conditional discharge, which allows you to avoid a permanent criminal conviction for the assault.
Will the family judge know what I say in the PAR sessions?
Generally, the specific details discussed in group therapy are confidential. However, the final summary report, which notes whether you took accountability or denied your actions, will be shared with the Crown and can be subpoenaed by family court.
Does the victim have to participate in the PAR program?
No, the victim does not attend the classes. However, PAR staff will reach out to the victim independently to offer support resources, discuss safety planning, and provide updates on the offender’s progress.
Can I be forced to pay child support while I have no parenting time?
Yes. Child support is a strict financial obligation under the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Even if a restraining order prevents you from seeing your children, you must continue to pay child support to your ex-spouse.
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