TUF or Superior Court: where does your kind of family case go?
The essentials
- It’s a regime of rights and obligations, not a court.
- One important particularity: in the matters covered, prior family mediation is generally required before proceeding, with exceptions provided for, notably in cases of family, domestic or sexual violence.
- Divorce (married couples): the Superior Court, as before.
- Whatever the court, the facts are documented the same way: a dated log, organized and captioned photos, archived exchanges, a factual account.
In short, from this page. Every statement is sourced below.
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On June 30, 2025, two major changes in Québec family law came into force on the same day, and because they look alike, almost everyone mixes them up. Here is the general picture, in plain language, with the official sources at the bottom.
Change no. 1: the parental union regime
It’s a regime of rights and obligations, not a court. Since June 30, 2025, de facto spouses (unmarried) who have a child together, born or adopted on or after that date, are automatically covered by the parental union regime set out in the Code civil. “Automatically” means: nothing to apply for, no box to check. Among other things, the regime creates a parental union patrimony between the spouses.
Change no. 2: the Unified Family Tribunal (TUF)
It’s a court, not a regime. The TUF was established within the Court of Québec and has been serving the public since June 30, 2025. It has exclusive jurisdiction to hear matters relating to parental union, civil union and surrogacy.
One important particularity: in the matters covered, prior family mediation is generally required before proceeding, with exceptions provided for, notably in cases of family, domestic or sexual violence.
So which case goes where? (the general picture)
- Divorce (married couples): the Superior Court, as before.
- Family cases already open before the changes took effect: they continue where they are.
- Matters involving parental union, civil union or surrogacy : the TUF, at the Court of Québec.
So Québec will operate under a mixed regime for years — two courts, depending on the nature of the case.
What this changes for your documentation: nothing. And that’s good news
Whatever the court, the facts are documented the same way: a dated log, organized and captioned photos, archived exchanges, a factual account. A well-kept case follows you, whichever door it comes in through.
Official sources (consulted July 18, 2026)
Every statement in this guide is backed by an official source. How we verify and correct.
- Québec.ca, “L’union parentale” (the regime, when it came into force and its automatic application)
- Court of Québec, “Tribunal unifié de la famille” (launched June 30, 2025, jurisdiction)
- Barreau du Québec, notice to members “Des changements importants en droit de la famille à compter du 30 juin 2025”
Found an error in this guide? Report it: corrected within 72 hours, and the correction log is public.
Reminder: this is general information; it is not information for anyone in particular. For advice on your situation: legal aid (eligibility based on income), a community justice centre, Juripop, or the Barreau referral service.