Superior Court of Justice (Family & Civil) – Peterborough, ON

Family Law and Civil Litigation

Unified Family Court

The courthouse at 470 Water Street is the designated centre for family and civil law in Peterborough. Most notably, it operates as a site for the Unified Family Court (UFC). This specialized jurisdiction consolidates all family law matters under one roof, allowing judges to hear cases involving divorce, property division, child support, spousal support, and child protection. By integrating the jurisdiction of both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice in family matters, the UFC simplifies the legal process for families in crisis, providing a single point of entry for resolving domestic disputes.

Civil and Small Claims

In addition to family law, this facility handles the region’s civil litigation.

• Superior Court Civil: This division presides over major civil lawsuits, including commercial disputes, personal injury claims, and bankruptcy matters generally involving amounts over $35,000.
• Small Claims Court: The Small Claims branch adjudicates disputes for money or property valued at $35,000 or less. It offers a more streamlined and less formal procedure, allowing individuals to resolve issues like unpaid debts, breach of contract, or property damage without the high costs of Superior Court litigation.

Services and Resources

The 470 Water Street courthouse provides essential resources to assist litigants.

• Mediation Services: On-site mediation is often available for family law cases, encouraging parties to reach amicable settlements outside of a trial setting.
• Legal Aid: Duty Counsel from Legal Aid Ontario may be available to assist low-income individuals with immediate legal advice for family matters.
• Family Law Information Centre (FLIC): This resource centre offers free information about divorce, separation, and court procedures, helping self-represented litigants navigate the complex legal system.

Accessibility

The modern courthouse is designed to be fully inclusive. It features accessible entrances, elevators, and washrooms. Litigants requiring specific accommodations, such as real-time captioning or assistive listening devices, should contact the Accessibility Coordinator in advance of their court appearance.