Fine & Associates Featured in Law Times on Ontario Court Changes

Fine & Associates principal Lorne J. Fine was recently featured in Law Times, providing insight on a significant change to how family law matters are handled in Toronto.

What’s changing in Ontario family courts?

Starting April 2, 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice will require most short family law motions in Toronto to be heard in person, moving away from the Zoom-based system introduced during the pandemic.

While virtual hearings helped streamline the process and reduce costs, this shift signals a return to more traditional court procedures.

Lorne Fine’s perspective

In the Law Times article, Lorne highlights the real-world impact this change may have on families navigating already stressful legal situations.

As noted in the coverage:

• In-person hearings can significantly increase legal costs due to travel time and extended court attendance
• Clients may need to take time off work, arrange childcare, and spend hours waiting for short hearings
• The change may also contribute to delays and court backlogs, reversing some of the efficiencies gained through virtual hearings

Lorne also raised concerns about the impact on high-conflict matters, particularly where safety or emotional stress is a factor.

At the same time, he acknowledged that in-person hearings can offer benefits, including improved courtroom dynamics and opportunities for settlement discussions between parties.

A shift with real implications

This change reflects a broader tension in the legal system between efficiency and tradition.

While in-person hearings may be appropriate in some cases, the move away from virtual proceedings raises important questions about access to justice, cost, and flexibility for families.

Read the full article here:

View Lorne Fine’s full commentary in Law Times:
Courts’ move to in-person hearings for family matters will lead to higher legal fees, backlogs: lawyers