The Ontario Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) is a government agency established under the Ministry of Attorney General to represent the personal and property interests of persons under the age of majority.
The OCL’s involvement depends on the nature of the case; its role in a estate matter may differ greatly from that in a child protection matter.
From time to time the OCL involves itself in family law.
For matters involving custody and access, the OCL’s involvement is not automatic. Rather, under the Court of Justice Act, the court may request the appointment of the OCL through an order.
Once an order is issued requesting the appointment of the OCL, the parties (usually the parents) will have to complete the OCL intake process, starting with filling out the intake form. Parties are expected to give personal information such as occupation, address, and relationship to the child(ren).
If the parties fails to complete the intake process, the OCL will decline the appointment and close the file. Once the OCL closes its file, another order is required before the OCL will reconsider the appointment request.
