What is the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, or OCL, in Ontario? The OCL is an independent office within Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General. Its role is to help the court make decisions that are in the best interests of the child in certain family law cases involving parenting issues.

The Role of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL)

The OCL does not represent either parent, and instead its focus is the child. The court may ask the OCL to become involved when there are significant concerns about parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, parenting time, family dynamics, or where the child’s views and preferences may be important to the court’s decision, and the OCL ultimately decides whether it will accept the case. If the OCL accepts involvement, it may assign either a lawyer to represent the child and communicate the child’s views and preferences, or a clinician, such as a social worker, to investigate the family circumstances and provide the court with a report and recommendations regarding the child’s best interests.

Section 30 Assessment

You may also hear about a Section 30 Assessment, which is different from OCL involvement. A Section 30 Assessment is ordered under section 30 of Ontario’s Children’s Law Reform Act. This assessment involves a qualified mental health professional appointed to conduct an independent assessment of the family and provide recommendations regarding parenting arrangements. They are not representing the child or either parent.

So, what should you expect if either becomes involved? Expect interviews with parents and children. Expect questions about your child’s routines, relationships, parenting history, and any concerns affecting their well-being. Be honest, child-focused, and cooperative. Remember, the process is not about “winning.” It is about helping the court understand what arrangement is most likely to support your child’s best interests.

The most important takeaway is this: whether the OCL is involved or a Section 30 Assessment is ordered, the focus is never on proving who is the better parent. The focus is on understanding what outcome best serves the child.

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(This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.)