This Guidebook will let you know what to expect on your day in court. It addresses how to prepare so the day will go smoothly, as well as how to behave while in court. It will also explain how to address judges and court staff properly.

NOTE: This Guidebook does not provide legal advice and must not be used as a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide. This Guidebook provides general information to help people with matters in the BC Supreme Court.

A Supreme Court Family trial is usually expensive, stressful and contentious. All efforts should be made to come to a resolution before getting to the point of trial, however sometimes a trial is necessary.

This section provides general guidance on how to prepare for the experience of a Supreme Court Trial. For specifics on the the rules, process, and preparation for a trial go to:

• Trials in Supreme Court from Legal Aid BC’s Family Law website
• Family Law Handbook from the Canadian Judicial Council’s guides for self-represented litigants
• Legal Research and Evidence sections of the Civil Law Guidebook