Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph, ON

Ontario Court of Justice (Guelph)

The Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph, located at 36 Wyndham Street South, acts as the central hub for criminal and family law proceedings in Wellington County. This courthouse handles a wide array of legal matters, including adult and youth criminal charges, bail hearings, and family law cases involving child protection, custody, and support. It is a separate entity from the nearby Provincial Offences Court which handles regulatory tickets.

Criminal and Youth Justice

The Criminal Division at this location deals with the majority of criminal charges brought within the region. This includes first appearances, bail hearings, preliminary inquiries, and trials. The court also features a specialized Youth Justice Court, ensuring that matters involving young persons are handled in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Family Court Services

The Family Division provides critical services for families in crisis. The courthouse hosts the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC), where individuals can access information about court procedures, separation, and divorce. Duty counsel may be available to assist eligible low-income individuals. Mediation services are also often coordinated through this centre to help parties resolve disputes without a trial.

• Hearings: Presided over by provincial judges and justices of the peace.
• Filing Office: Accepting documents for criminal and family files.
• Security: Strict airport-style screening is enforced at the entrance.