Difference between revisions of "Provincial (Family) Court"

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{{Dial-A-Law Blurb}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/about/team/ People's Law School] |date= January 2022}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = disputes}}
If you’re dealing with a family law issue, you may end up in Provincial Court (often called '''Family Court'''). There are advantages to using this court instead of BC Supreme Court. Learn what’s involved at each stage.


{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
{| class="wikitable"
This script discusses ways to resolve family law disputes without going to court.
|align="left"|'''Alert!'''
This information has been updated to reflect [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/enews/enews-27-04-2021 new Provincial Court Family Rules] that took effect on May 17, 2021 and amendments since then.  
|}


==How to avoid going to court?==
==What you should know==
All sorts of people can have family law issues, including couples who are married, couples who aren’t married, people who have had a child together and anyone, such as a relative, who has an interest in a child. Most family law issues involve separating parents.


When a couple decides to separate, they usually have to make a number of decisions. Where should the child live most of the time? What will the parenting schedule look like? Should support be paid, and if so, to whom and in what amount? Who should stay in the family home? How will the family property and family debt be divided?
===Family Court can deal with many family law issues===
'''Family Court''' is a division of the [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/types-of-cases/family-matters British Columbia Provincial Court]. (Other divisions of the Provincial Court deal with criminal, traffic, and small claims cases.)


Many people believe that going to court is the only way to resolve these issues. However, if the couple can work together they may be able to avoid court altogether. Going to court is sometimes unavoidable, which might be the case if someone was threatening to hide property, be violent or take the child out of town. Apart from urgent problems like these, most family law issues can be resolved out of court.
Family Court deals with many, but not all, of the legal issues that affect families. It handles the following issues under the BC ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2011-c-25/latest/sbc-2011-c-25.html Family Law Act]'':


People who can work together despite their separation can try to negotiate a settlement between them. If this won’t work, the most common options other are:
* guardianship of a child and parental responsibilities
* parenting time and contact with a child
* child support and spousal support
* protection orders


*Mediation
Family Court also deals with child protection cases.
*Collaborative settlement processes


==What is “mediation”?==
Family Court '''cannot''' make orders under the federal ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-3-2nd-supp/latest/rsc-1985-c-3-2nd-supp.html Divorce Act]''. It can’t:
In mediation, parties will work together to identify and resolve the problems arising from the separation with the help of a neutral third party, a mediator. Usually the mediator is a lawyer or another trained professional. A lawyer mediator, called a Family Law Mediator, cannot provide independent legal advice to either party, but can provide some general information about family law and facilitate the settlement process.


The mediator will listen to what’s important to each party, ask for their opinions on the issues, and help them to come to their own solutions for the future. If parties have a child, the mediator will help them to make decisions that are in the child’s best interest. The mediator won’t make decisions for the parties; the mediator helps them to make their own decisions.
* grant a divorce
* divide property or debts, or make orders about family property
* change an order that was made under the Divorce Act
* make adoption orders


==How to prepare for mediation?==
For these issues, you have to go to the [https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court/ British Columbia Supreme Court]. This is the other court in BC that also deals with family law issues.
Before hiring a mediator, each party may wish to get independent legal advice from a lawyer. The lawyer can give an idea about the range of potential outcomes, explain what to expect at the mediation and suggest what documents may be useful to take to the first session.


==How much does mediation cost?==
===Advantages of Family Court===
Mediation is usually less expensive than going to court with a lawyer. When parties first meet with a mediator, the mediator will discuss the costs and the process. Mediators usually charge an hourly rate and people usually split the mediator’s costs between them.
{{PLSStorybox
| image = [[File:Annika.png|link=]]
| text      = “My spouse and I ended our 16-year relationship. After separating, we couldn’t reach an agreement about spousal support and who our three children should live with. So I started a court action in the Family Court near me. I didn’t have to pay court filing fees, and I found the process easier to follow than I expected. At our family settlement conference, we ended up with a consent order that resolved our issues.
<br>– Annika, Maple Ridge, BC
}}


==How long does mediation take?==
The BC Supreme Court can deal with all family law issues, including all of the issues Family Court deals with. So why would you want to go to Family Court?
Mediation meetings are normally two to six hours long. There is usually more than one meeting, depending on how many issues need to be resolved and how complicated those issues are. Sometimes the mediator will meet with one or each party separately. The mediator may also give parties extra tasks to be performed between meetings, usually to gather additional documents and information.


==Who prepares the agreement?==
Family Court has some advantages over Supreme Court:
When the mediator is a lawyer, the mediator will usually prepare a written agreement describing the settlement reached through mediation. When the mediator is not a lawyer, a party’s lawyer will usually prepare the agreement. Regardless of who writes the agreement, each party needs to get an independent legal advice from a lawyer before they sign the agreement. It is very important to understand exactly what the agreement means and how it affects each party’s legal rights and obligations.
* The Family Court forms are easier to understand. They’re written in plain language and include information on when to use them, next steps, and tips for completion.
* No court fees are charged in Family Court.
* The rules of court are simpler than the rules of the Supreme Court. Plus, the Family Court rules encourage people to try to resolve their issues by agreement earlier on in the court process.
* Family Courts have '''family justice counsellors''' available. These are specially trained government workers who can help people resolve certain types of family law issues, including through mediation. Their services are free and confidential.
* The atmosphere of Family Court is more informal.
* Many Family Courts have '''family duty counsel''' available. These are lawyers who provide free legal advice to help people with low incomes deal with their family law problems.


==What are “collaborative settlement processes”?==
===The court process varies depending on the registry and order involved===
Collaborative settlement processes are a kind of negotiation where the parties work with lawyers and agree that they will do everything possible to reach a settlement without going to court. The parties and the lawyers work together to find a settlement. Specialists like counsellors, child psychologists and financial experts may be used to help find a settlement. Collaborative processes are centered on parties’ needs and their child’s needs. Communications are usually open and transparent.
There are registries at various [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/locations-contacts Provincial Courts throughout BC]. How the Family Court process works depends on the registry location and the type of court order you need.


==How long do collaborative processes take to resolve matters?==
Many Family Court registries have certain requirements you have to meet before you can get a date to appear in front of a judge. We explain these below, under stages in the court process.
More than one meeting will be required to come to an agreement on all issues. The number of meetings required will depend on how many issues need to be resolved and how complicated they are. Occasionally an agreement is reached after only one meeting between the parties and their lawyers.


==Is an agreement reached through mediation or collaboration binding?==
But there are exceptions. In certain circumstances, you can fast forward the process. For example:
The agreement is a binding legal contract and can be enforced by the court.


==Can the agreement be changed?==
* If you’re experiencing family violence, you can apply for a '''protection order'''. This a court order to protect one person from another.
Separation agreements can only be changed if parties agree or if the court sets all or just part of the agreement aside. If parties agree to change the agreement or talk about changing the agreement, they can go back to mediation or a collaborative process to discuss the potential changes. Alternatively, they can go to court. Although the court will generally be reluctant to change an agreement that was fairly negotiated, the court may make an order on different terms if there was an important change in circumstances after the agreement was signed that wasn’t expected when the agreement was negotiated.
* If the other parent wants to move with the children or is refusing to agree to you taking them abroad on a planned holiday, you can apply for an '''order in a priority parenting matter'''.


==When is mediation or collaborative process not appropriate?==
{| class="wikitable"
While these are very good ways of resolving family law issues, they may not be appropriate if there has been family violence or child abuse, or if the other party won’t participate fairly during the process.
|align="left"|'''Self-help guides'''
The Family Law in BC website from Legal Aid BC has step-by-step guides on [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/abuse-family-violence/protecting-yourself-your-family/apply-family-law-protection-order-without#0 applying for a protection order] and [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/court-orders/get-order-bc/provincial-court/get-order-about-priority-parenting applying for a priority parenting matter order].
|}


==How to find a qualified and experienced mediator?==
===Options to resolve a case outside the courtroom===
Even after a family law case has been started, you can still try to resolve your issues without going to a hearing before a judge.


*For a Family Law Mediator, phone the Lawyer Referral Service at 604.687.3221 in Vancouver or 1.800.663.1919 toll-free elsewhere in BC. A Family Law Mediator is especially useful if one of the family law issues is dividing up the assets and property.
You might try '''negotiating''' with each other to try to reach an agreement. You could do this with or without the help of lawyers. You could also get help from other family members, elders, or other community members.
*Call Family Mediation Canada at 1.877.362.2005 (toll-free) and ask for a list of the closest family mediators. Their website is [http://www.fmc.ca www.fmc.ca].
*Contact the Mediate BC Society, which maintains a list of family mediators. Call 1.888.713.0433 or click on [http://www.mediatebc.com www.mediatebc.com].
*Family Justice Counsellors may be able to help at no cost. Family Justice Counsellors typically help people with custody, access, guardianship or child support disputes in Provincial Court. Phone 604.660.2421 in the lower mainland, 250.387.6121 in Greater Victoria or toll-free 1.800.663.7867 elsewhere in BC, and ask to speak with a Family Justice Counsellor in the nearest Family Justice Centre. Also see the Family Justice website at [http://www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/ www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/].


How to find a lawyer trained in collaborative settlement processes?
You could try '''mediation'''. This involves meeting with a neutral person (a mediator) who helps find a solution everyone can agree on. The mediator doesn’t make decisions, but instead helps the parties make decisions for themselves.


*Phone the Lawyer Referral Service at 604.687.3221 in the lower mainland or 1.800.663.1919 elsewhere in BC.
You can use a family justice counsellor as a mediator. Their services are free. (At some Provincial Court locations, parties are required to meet with a family justice counsellor as one of the first steps in the court process.) Or you can hire a private mediator.
*Visit BC Collaborative Roster Society’s website at [http://www.bccollaborativerostersociety.com www.bccollaborativerostersociety.com] and search for collaborative lawyers or other collaborative professionals nearby.
*Visit Collaborative Divorce Vancouver’s website at [http://www.collaborativedivorcebc.org  www.collaborativedivorcebc.org] for the name of a member lawyer, as well as for names of other collaborative professionals. All members of the association have received both collaborative family law and mediation training.
*In the lower mainland, visit Collaborative Association’s website at [http://www.nocourt.net www.nocourt.net] for more information and list of professionals.
*In Victoria, call 250.704.2600 or go to [http://www.collaborativefamilylawgroup.com www.collaborativefamilylawgroup.com] for information on the Collaborative Family Law Group of Victoria and the name of a member lawyer.
*In Kelowna and the Okanagan area, check the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group at [http://www.nocourt.ca www.collaborativefamilylaw.ca].
*In West Kootenays, call 1.866.926.1881 and visit [http://www.resolutionplace.ca www.resolutionplace.ca] or [http://www.nocourt.ca www.nocourt.ca] for more information on Resolution Place and the Collaborative Law Group of the Nelson.


==What questions should parties ask the mediator or collaborative lawyer?==
Or you could try '''collaborative negotiation'''. This is also known as “collaborative family law.” It’s a kind of negotiation where each party has their own lawyer and agrees to do everything possible to reach a settlement without going to court. The approach emphasizes full disclosure, communication, and a safe and respectful environment to help the parties negotiate a settlement collaboratively.
When parties have the names of some mediators or collaborative lawyers, they may want to ask each of them the following questions before deciding whom to hire:


*Does the person belong to any professional organizations for mediators or collaborative family law lawyers?
For more on these approaches, see our information on [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/mediation-and-collaborative-practice/ mediation, collaborative negotiation, and arbitration].
*Is the person a lawyer or a mental health professional?
*What kind of training has the person received, and how long have they practiced as a mediator or collaborative lawyer?
*What kinds of mediation or collaborative family law issues do they handle? (Some mediators, for example, may only deal with child custody and access disputes. Other only deal with financial and/or property issues.)
*How much will it cost?


===If you can agree on the issues===
If you can work out your issues, you and the other people involved can put your agreement into writing. Or you might want a judge to make a court order that reflects your agreement. This is called a '''consent order'''. Most family law cases are settled by an agreement or consent order.


[updated February 2015]
Both parties must sign the written agreement or consent order.


Each party should get '''independent legal advice''' from a lawyer before they sign the document. This involves each party meeting with their own lawyer to get legal advice. A lawyer can explain:


----
* what the agreement means
----
* what rights and obligations the agreement gives to each party
* how the agreement affects other legal options that might otherwise be available


See who can help, below, for options to get legal advice.


==Stages in the court process==
===Starting a matter in Family Court===
How you start a matter in Family Court depends on the court registry location and the type of court order you seek.
In the Victoria and Surrey registries, you have to file [[a notice with the courthttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/courthouse-services/court-files-records/court-forms/family/pfa710.pdf|a notice with the court]], and then meet with a family justice counsellor and satisfy certain requirements before you can start a court matter.
In other court registries in the province, you can start a court matter by [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/courthouse-services/court-files-records/court-forms/family/pfa712.pdf?forcedownload=true filing an application with the court]. Then (depending on the registry location), you may have to meet with a family justice counsellor or complete a parenting education program, or both, before getting a court date. More on these requirements in the next section about next steps.
In any court registry, if there’s been family violence or you have an urgent parenting issue, you can apply to get into court right away.
====The paperwork====
To start a Family Court matter, you fill out an [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/courthouse-services/court-files-records/court-forms/family/pfa712.pdf?forcedownload=true application about a family law matter]. You make three copies of the application, and file it with the court registry. There is no fee involved. Depending on what kind of orders you’re asking for, other forms and documents may also be required. 
You then arrange to have a copy of the filed documents '''served''' on the other party in the case. There are strict rules about how to give court documents to the other party. 
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''To complete the forms'''
Legal Aid BC’s Family Law in BC website has a free step-by-step guide for [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/court-orders/get-order-bc/provincial-court/get-new-family-order-provincial-court-if#0 applying for a family order] in Provincial Court. For blank court forms, see the [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/documents-forms-records/court-forms/prov-family-forms BC government website] or go to your local [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/locations-contacts Family Court registry].
|}
===Next steps===
Depending on the court registry location and the type of court order you seek, you’ll likely have to complete certain steps before you can get a date to appear before a judge.
In [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice/your-options/early-resolution early resolution registries in Surrey and Victoria], for example, you have to meet with a family justice counsellor, take a parenting course (if applicable), and complete a session of consensual dispute resolution (if appropriate). Only then can you start a matter in Family Court and get a court date.
In [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/provincial-court-registries/family-justice-registries family justice registries in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Vancouver], you start a Family Court matter, meet with a family justice counsellor, and take a parenting education program (if applicable). Then you’ll get a court date.
All other Family Court registries are [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/provincial-court-registries/parenting-education-program-registries Parenting Education Program registries]. In these registries, you file an application to start a Family Court matter. Then, you complete a parenting education program (unless you can [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/courthouse-services/court-files-records/court-forms/family/pfa740.pdf show you’re exempt]) before getting a court date.
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Court appearances'''
You’re usually expected to attend a court date in person. But for certain types of family court proceedings like conferences and pre-trial applications, [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/downloads/Practice%20Directions/FAM%2011%20Default%20Method%20of%20Attendance%20for%20Certain%20Court%20Appearances.pdf the usual way to attend] is by phone or Microsoft Teams audio-conference or video-conference.
If you want to attend court in a different way than scheduled, you can [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/downloads/Practice%20Directions/FAM%2011%20Default%20Method%20of%20Attendance%20for%20Certain%20Court%20Appearances.pdf make a court application].
|}
===Your first court appearance===
Unless you have an urgent family matter, the first time you appear before a judge will usually be at a '''family management conference'''. This is a 20- to 60-minute meeting with the other party and a judge. The judge will try to help you and the other party reach an agreement. If that’s not possible, the judge will help you get organized for a hearing or a trial.
At a family management conference, a judge can make court orders. If you and the other party agree about your family law issues, the judge will make a '''consent order'''. If you can’t agree, the judge may still make important '''interim (temporary) orders''' that can last at least until you have a hearing. Because of this, you must be prepared to tell the judge what orders you want and why. You can provide spoken and affidavit evidence to support your position.
If issues aren’t resolved at the family management conference, the judge can decide on the next steps in your case. This can include participating in mediation, attending a '''family settlement conference''' (an informal meeting with a judge to try to resolve the dispute), or setting a hearing date.
If a hearing is needed, the judge can make '''case management orders''' about timing, witnesses, documents, and other evidence to make sure the trial is conducted efficiently.
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Preparing for a family management conference'''
The Provincial Court explains [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/enews/enews-11-05-2021 what to expect at a family management conference], and Legal Aid BC has more on [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/if-you-have-go-court/fcc-provincial-court how to prepare for one].
|}
===If the case goes to trial===
If you can’t settle your issues and have to go to a trial, you’ll have a '''hearing''' before a judge.
In your community, the Provincial Court might have a separate courtroom for family law cases. Or family law cases might be heard in one of the regular courtrooms on a particular day of the week. Usually there’s one day each week or every other week when the court will hear family law cases.
At the hearing, witnesses give oral testimony (they tell the court their side of the case) and present documents or other evidence. Often, the parties themselves are the only witnesses.
After all of the evidence has been given to the judge, each side will make arguments to the judge. They’ll explain why they think the judge should decide in their favor. The judge will then make an order resolving the issues.
==Common questions==
===Do I need a lawyer to appear in Family Court?===
You '''don’t''' have to have a lawyer when you go to court. Over a third of people bringing a case in Family Court represent themselves. The rules in Family Court are simpler than in Supreme Court and the atmosphere is more informal.
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Consider getting legal advice or unbundling'''
If you’re planning to represent yourself in Family Court, consider getting legal advice about your case beforehand. Or you could explore hiring an “unbundled lawyer” to help coach you or help with part of your case. To find a lawyer who offers unbundled services, see [https://unbundlinglaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ unbundlinglaw.ca].
|}
===What if my case started before the new court rules came into effect?===
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/120_2020 New Provincial Court Family Rules] came into effect on May 17, 2021. If a family law case you’re involved in started before that, the new rules apply and the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/documents-forms-records/court-forms/prov-family-forms new court forms] (with a couple of short-term exceptions) must be used.
==Who can help==
===With your case===
To make an appointment with a family justice counsellor, contact the nearest '''Family Justice Centre''' by calling Service BC.
:Call 1-800-663-7867 (toll-free)
:[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice/who-can-help/family-justice-counsellors Visit website]
Unbundling allows you to hire a lawyer for specific parts of your case or to coach you through the court process. '''Unbundled Legal Services''' lists family lawyers who offer these services.
:[https://unbundlinglaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ Visit website]
For options for '''legal advice''', see our information on [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/free-and-low-cost-legal-help/ free and low-cost legal help]. It explains options such as legal aid, pro bono services, legal clinics, and advocates.
===With more information===
The '''BC Provincial Court website''' provides information about family law, rules, and court processes as well as links to resources.
:[https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/types-of-cases/family-matters Visit website]
Legal Aid BC’s '''Family Law in BC website''' has self-help guides that include step-by-step instructions and blank forms you’ll need for going to Provincial (Family) Court.
:[https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/court-orders/get-order-bc/get-order-provincial-court Visit website]
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Latest revision as of 23:03, 6 November 2023

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School in January 2022.

If you’re dealing with a family law issue, you may end up in Provincial Court (often called Family Court). There are advantages to using this court instead of BC Supreme Court. Learn what’s involved at each stage.

Alert!

This information has been updated to reflect new Provincial Court Family Rules that took effect on May 17, 2021 and amendments since then.

What you should know

Family Court can deal with many family law issues

Family Court is a division of the British Columbia Provincial Court. (Other divisions of the Provincial Court deal with criminal, traffic, and small claims cases.)

Family Court deals with many, but not all, of the legal issues that affect families. It handles the following issues under the BC Family Law Act:

  • guardianship of a child and parental responsibilities
  • parenting time and contact with a child
  • child support and spousal support
  • protection orders

Family Court also deals with child protection cases.

Family Court cannot make orders under the federal Divorce Act. It can’t:

  • grant a divorce
  • divide property or debts, or make orders about family property
  • change an order that was made under the Divorce Act
  • make adoption orders

For these issues, you have to go to the British Columbia Supreme Court. This is the other court in BC that also deals with family law issues.

Advantages of Family Court

The BC Supreme Court can deal with all family law issues, including all of the issues Family Court deals with. So why would you want to go to Family Court?

Family Court has some advantages over Supreme Court:

  • The Family Court forms are easier to understand. They’re written in plain language and include information on when to use them, next steps, and tips for completion.
  • No court fees are charged in Family Court.
  • The rules of court are simpler than the rules of the Supreme Court. Plus, the Family Court rules encourage people to try to resolve their issues by agreement earlier on in the court process.
  • Family Courts have family justice counsellors available. These are specially trained government workers who can help people resolve certain types of family law issues, including through mediation. Their services are free and confidential.
  • The atmosphere of Family Court is more informal.
  • Many Family Courts have family duty counsel available. These are lawyers who provide free legal advice to help people with low incomes deal with their family law problems.

The court process varies depending on the registry and order involved

There are registries at various Provincial Courts throughout BC. How the Family Court process works depends on the registry location and the type of court order you need.

Many Family Court registries have certain requirements you have to meet before you can get a date to appear in front of a judge. We explain these below, under stages in the court process.

But there are exceptions. In certain circumstances, you can fast forward the process. For example:

  • If you’re experiencing family violence, you can apply for a protection order. This a court order to protect one person from another.
  • If the other parent wants to move with the children or is refusing to agree to you taking them abroad on a planned holiday, you can apply for an order in a priority parenting matter.
Self-help guides

The Family Law in BC website from Legal Aid BC has step-by-step guides on applying for a protection order and applying for a priority parenting matter order.

Options to resolve a case outside the courtroom

Even after a family law case has been started, you can still try to resolve your issues without going to a hearing before a judge.

You might try negotiating with each other to try to reach an agreement. You could do this with or without the help of lawyers. You could also get help from other family members, elders, or other community members.

You could try mediation. This involves meeting with a neutral person (a mediator) who helps find a solution everyone can agree on. The mediator doesn’t make decisions, but instead helps the parties make decisions for themselves.

You can use a family justice counsellor as a mediator. Their services are free. (At some Provincial Court locations, parties are required to meet with a family justice counsellor as one of the first steps in the court process.) Or you can hire a private mediator.

Or you could try collaborative negotiation. This is also known as “collaborative family law.” It’s a kind of negotiation where each party has their own lawyer and agrees to do everything possible to reach a settlement without going to court. The approach emphasizes full disclosure, communication, and a safe and respectful environment to help the parties negotiate a settlement collaboratively.

For more on these approaches, see our information on mediation, collaborative negotiation, and arbitration.

If you can agree on the issues

If you can work out your issues, you and the other people involved can put your agreement into writing. Or you might want a judge to make a court order that reflects your agreement. This is called a consent order. Most family law cases are settled by an agreement or consent order.

Both parties must sign the written agreement or consent order.

Each party should get independent legal advice from a lawyer before they sign the document. This involves each party meeting with their own lawyer to get legal advice. A lawyer can explain:

  • what the agreement means
  • what rights and obligations the agreement gives to each party
  • how the agreement affects other legal options that might otherwise be available

See who can help, below, for options to get legal advice.

Stages in the court process

Starting a matter in Family Court

How you start a matter in Family Court depends on the court registry location and the type of court order you seek.

In the Victoria and Surrey registries, you have to file a notice with the court, and then meet with a family justice counsellor and satisfy certain requirements before you can start a court matter.

In other court registries in the province, you can start a court matter by filing an application with the court. Then (depending on the registry location), you may have to meet with a family justice counsellor or complete a parenting education program, or both, before getting a court date. More on these requirements in the next section about next steps.

In any court registry, if there’s been family violence or you have an urgent parenting issue, you can apply to get into court right away.

The paperwork

To start a Family Court matter, you fill out an application about a family law matter. You make three copies of the application, and file it with the court registry. There is no fee involved. Depending on what kind of orders you’re asking for, other forms and documents may also be required.

You then arrange to have a copy of the filed documents served on the other party in the case. There are strict rules about how to give court documents to the other party.

To complete the forms

Legal Aid BC’s Family Law in BC website has a free step-by-step guide for applying for a family order in Provincial Court. For blank court forms, see the BC government website or go to your local Family Court registry.

Next steps

Depending on the court registry location and the type of court order you seek, you’ll likely have to complete certain steps before you can get a date to appear before a judge.

In early resolution registries in Surrey and Victoria, for example, you have to meet with a family justice counsellor, take a parenting course (if applicable), and complete a session of consensual dispute resolution (if appropriate). Only then can you start a matter in Family Court and get a court date.

In family justice registries in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Vancouver, you start a Family Court matter, meet with a family justice counsellor, and take a parenting education program (if applicable). Then you’ll get a court date.

All other Family Court registries are Parenting Education Program registries. In these registries, you file an application to start a Family Court matter. Then, you complete a parenting education program (unless you can show you’re exempt) before getting a court date.

Court appearances

You’re usually expected to attend a court date in person. But for certain types of family court proceedings like conferences and pre-trial applications, the usual way to attend is by phone or Microsoft Teams audio-conference or video-conference.

If you want to attend court in a different way than scheduled, you can make a court application.

Your first court appearance

Unless you have an urgent family matter, the first time you appear before a judge will usually be at a family management conference. This is a 20- to 60-minute meeting with the other party and a judge. The judge will try to help you and the other party reach an agreement. If that’s not possible, the judge will help you get organized for a hearing or a trial.

At a family management conference, a judge can make court orders. If you and the other party agree about your family law issues, the judge will make a consent order. If you can’t agree, the judge may still make important interim (temporary) orders that can last at least until you have a hearing. Because of this, you must be prepared to tell the judge what orders you want and why. You can provide spoken and affidavit evidence to support your position.

If issues aren’t resolved at the family management conference, the judge can decide on the next steps in your case. This can include participating in mediation, attending a family settlement conference (an informal meeting with a judge to try to resolve the dispute), or setting a hearing date.

If a hearing is needed, the judge can make case management orders about timing, witnesses, documents, and other evidence to make sure the trial is conducted efficiently.

Preparing for a family management conference

The Provincial Court explains what to expect at a family management conference, and Legal Aid BC has more on how to prepare for one.

If the case goes to trial

If you can’t settle your issues and have to go to a trial, you’ll have a hearing before a judge.

In your community, the Provincial Court might have a separate courtroom for family law cases. Or family law cases might be heard in one of the regular courtrooms on a particular day of the week. Usually there’s one day each week or every other week when the court will hear family law cases.

At the hearing, witnesses give oral testimony (they tell the court their side of the case) and present documents or other evidence. Often, the parties themselves are the only witnesses.

After all of the evidence has been given to the judge, each side will make arguments to the judge. They’ll explain why they think the judge should decide in their favor. The judge will then make an order resolving the issues.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer to appear in Family Court?

You don’t have to have a lawyer when you go to court. Over a third of people bringing a case in Family Court represent themselves. The rules in Family Court are simpler than in Supreme Court and the atmosphere is more informal.

Consider getting legal advice or unbundling

If you’re planning to represent yourself in Family Court, consider getting legal advice about your case beforehand. Or you could explore hiring an “unbundled lawyer” to help coach you or help with part of your case. To find a lawyer who offers unbundled services, see unbundlinglaw.ca.

What if my case started before the new court rules came into effect?

New Provincial Court Family Rules came into effect on May 17, 2021. If a family law case you’re involved in started before that, the new rules apply and the new court forms (with a couple of short-term exceptions) must be used.

Who can help

With your case

To make an appointment with a family justice counsellor, contact the nearest Family Justice Centre by calling Service BC.

Call 1-800-663-7867 (toll-free)
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Unbundling allows you to hire a lawyer for specific parts of your case or to coach you through the court process. Unbundled Legal Services lists family lawyers who offer these services.

Visit website

For options for legal advice, see our information on free and low-cost legal help. It explains options such as legal aid, pro bono services, legal clinics, and advocates.

With more information

The BC Provincial Court website provides information about family law, rules, and court processes as well as links to resources.

Visit website

Legal Aid BC’s Family Law in BC website has self-help guides that include step-by-step instructions and blank forms you’ll need for going to Provincial (Family) Court.

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