simcoe county law association

What is Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution?

Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution (“JDR”) is a pilot project in our region that has been developed to provide a way to reach a final resolution of less complex family law cases. ​​ Once parties have completed a case conference, they can ​request that the next (and final) step in their proceeding is a Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution hearing. The parties should only request a JDR hearing if they both agree that the court can fairly decide their case in a hearing of three hours or less, based only on the evidence of the two parties, without the need for cross-examining each other. The judge at a JDR hearing will first hear the parties' proposals and discuss possible resolutions. If the parties cannot agree about some or all of the terms of their final court order, the same judge will make a final decision about any outstanding issues based on the affidavits of the parties and what they have said in the JDR hearing.

 A JDR hearing requires the consent of both parties. The links on this website provide all of the information required to prepare for and obtain your Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution Hearing. Although the information may appear lengthy, the process is fairly simple. We have tried to include samples of each form you will need and instructions for preparing them. If you do not have a lawyer, there is also information about how you can obtain legal advice and assistance in completing the forms.

Notice to the Family Law Bar and Family Law Litigants (Judicial Dispute Resolution)

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO OBTAIN A BINDING JDR HEARING DATE AND PARTICIPATE IN YOUR JDR HEARING

( this link contains all the information that you will require to get ready for your JDR hearing)

Step-by-Step Guide To a JDR

SAMPLE FORMS

Forms to obtain a date (if not approved at the case conference)

14B Motion Form

Affidavit in Support of 14B Motion

Endorsement Approving JDR

Request and Consent Form for the JDR

These documents should be submitted electronically through this link: www.one-key.gov.on.ca. Instructions for using this link are found here.

If you haven't heard back in three weeks, please contact the trial coordinator Nicole at nicole.anderson@ontario.ca.

Forms for the JDR Hearing (both parties to submit these three forms)

Request and Consent Form for the JDR (If Not Already Submitted)

Affidavit for the JDR Hearing -

Blank Order Form

These documents should be submitted electronically through this link: www.one-key.gov.on.ca. Instructions for using this link are found here.

Sample Court Orders to Submit for JDR Hearing

[Note: these are sample clauses only and may not apply to all cases. Further sample clauses are available here for you to prepare your draft order]

Sample Order for Parties Who Are or Were Married to Each Other

Sample Order for Parties Who Were Never Married to Each Other

If you need help completing these forms, email the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) in Barrie at barrieflic@gmail.com.

NOTE: HELP IS AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THESE FORMS. If you do not have your own lawyer, the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) in Barrie (barrieflic@gmail.com) can provide you with a list of lawyers providing “Unbundled Legal Services” who you can consult at a reduced cost. Information about the process may be available by calling the numbers for Legal Aid below. If you qualify financially, you may be able to discuss you options with duty counsel at a case conference or with the Legal Aid Advice Lawyer available through the FLIC.