Family Law
The Provincial Court of BC hears about half of all family matters in the province. If a case deals with divorce, adoptions, or the division of family property it would be heard in Supreme Court.
If a case involves the custody and guardianship of, or access to, or child support of children of separated parents, the case can be heard in either trial court. If it involves child protection – where the state alleges children have been neglected or abused - then the case is only heard in Provincial Court.
Very few family cases go to trial. The large majority of family disputes get resolved by an agreement between the parties often through some type of mediation service.
Online Help
Supreme Court Family Forms
To advance your civil case in the Supreme Court, you must use standard forms. This page includes all family forms that are current from July 1st, 2010.
Supreme Court Family Rules
Read the new Supreme Court Family Rules on this website. The Rules provide a guide to the procedures you will need to follow as your case moves forward in court.
Supreme Court Family Fees
There are fees you will have to pay as your case moves through the court process. You can learn about them on this website.
Court Tips for Parents
Parents in Supreme Court regarding a child support order must be properly prepared to present their cases. Court Tips for Parents features seven instructional videos on this area of family law.
Family Law and You
This series of four videos helps people with family law cases represent themselves in Supreme Court. Cases can include divorce, custody, access, guardianship and/or child support matters.
Family Law in BC
This Legal Services Society website contains self-help materials to help people resolve family law problems, including self-help kits with all the necessary forms and instructions.
Parenting After Separation Workshops
Parenting After Separation is a free three-hour workshop for parents dealing with family break-up issues of child custody, access, guardianship and/or support.
Finances After Separation Workshops
Finances After Separation is a free three-hour workshop that helps separated parents manage their finances.
Families Change: Guide to Separation and Divorce
This website provides animations and text information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents.
Kids BC: Explore Changeville
This animated, highly interactive website helps BC kids cope with a family break up.
Clicklaw
This website features legal information and education from more than 24 public legal education contributors.