What is the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL)?

If there is a dispute about a child's custody and/or access, a court may appoint the Office of the Children's Lawyer (also known as the OCL) to give the court independent information as to the wishes of the child and additional information relating to the best interests of the child.

In addition, after a court action about custody and/or access is initiated, the parties in the case may request that the Office of the Children's Lawyer be appointed.

Pursuant to section 112 of the Courts of Justice Act, the Office of the Children's Lawyer may investigate, make a report, and suggest recommendations to the court.

In most custody and/or access cases, children are not represented by the Office of the Children's Lawyer.

The Office of the Children's Lawyer is most often involved in high conflict custody and/or access cases.

For more information on the Office of the Children's Lawyer, contact Krol & Krol at 905.707.3370.