National Self-Represented Litigants Project, Windsor Law launched program in January
The National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) and Windsor Law have recently concluded a free online pilot program to assist self-represented litigants involved in family law proceedings.
Launched in January, “School for Family Litigants” was a free 12-week online pilot program offering information and strategies to help self-represented litigants understand and navigate the family law system in Canada. The Department of Justice Canada funded the program, which ran from January to April.
“We were blown away by the incredible response to this program,” said Dayna Cornwall, NSRLP project manager. “Broadening our resources for self-represented litigants in Canada is paramount.”
The program included sessions covering the basics of the family law system, legal research tools, procedures on legal paperwork, pursuing settlement options, getting ready for trial, self-care methods, and tips for managing emotions.
NSRLP staff and various family law experts across the country, including Justice Lloyd Dean of the Ontario Court of Justice, led the sessions. At the end of the program, each participant received a certificate of completion signed by Julie Macfarlane, the NSRLP founder.
NSRLP confirmed that when it opened registration in December 2021, the 40 slots it allotted had been filled in within two hours. Thus, it plans to offer the program again.
“Since this was a successful pilot program, we hope to offer the course again this fall and expand the offerings next year,” said Moya McAlister, NSRLP communications manager.
