Inventory of Reforms

The purpose of intake is to:

• identify the issues involved
• make sure the required information is exchanged between parties
• consider appropriate options to resolving the issues
• recommend other steps, including a hearing before a judge

What is Intake?

Intake is part of the court process and is mandatory... Intake is not confidential, but details of discussions during the intake process will not be included in the court record. Intake begins when you start an application in the Family Court. You may bring a family member or friend with you to the meeting. Generally, the other party does not attend at this time. You will meet with a court officer, usually called an intake officer, who will help you identify the issues and make sure that you have provided all information and documentation required by the Family Court.

What does the intake officer do?

The intake officer helps you to sort out what to do about your situation and what the next steps might be.

The intake officer may:

• suggest that you seek legal advice and counselling services
• suggest that you consider mediation
• refer the parties to the Parent Information Program
• schedule a court date before a judge
• recommend to a judge that a pre-trial settlement conference be scheduled
• direct that the parties provide proper financial and other information to each other

The intake officer does not:

• take sides in a case
• force the parties to reach a settlement outside of court
• make final decisions about a case...

The intake officer cannot give legal advice. The intake process does not replace negotiation between lawyers.