Référence
Birnbaum, R., Poitras, K., Saini, M., Bala, N. et Cyr, F. (2021). Views and Experiences of Parents in the Family Justice Systems in Ontario and Quebec: Report on First Stage of a Longitudinal Research Project. Journal of divorce and remarriage, 62(7), 532-550.
Résumé
As part of a larger prospective longitudinal research project to track parents as they navigate the family court system in Canada’s two largest provinces, this paper reports on the mixed methodology results at Time 1 as parents came into contact with the family courts. Data was collected by using in-person surveys at seven family court sites in Ontario and five family court sites in Quebec. A total of n = 1,539 litigants in Ontario (n = 865) and Quebec (n = 674) were recruited for Time 1. Reflecting differences in eligibility for Legal Aid, significantly more Quebec (86%) litigants had a lawyer than in Ontario (37%). Only a minority of those who attended government supported mediation found it helpful. Those who were unrepresented generally expected a worse outcome and slower resolution because they did not have a lawyer. Implications for parents accessing family court services are considered.
