Last reviewed November 2020 by the Clicklaw Editors

The court system in British Columbia has three levels, the Provincial Court, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. The BC Supreme Court is the higher level trial court. It also hears appeals from the Provincial Court, and sometimes reviews the decisions of certain provincial tribunals and public decision-making bodies.

The resources below outline the sources of law to consider when starting a case, the steps involved, and tips for appearing in court.

Good starting points include:

• Guide to the BC Court System, from the Justice Education Society, is a series of videos about the court system, including a video titled "How Supreme Court Works".
• Overview of the Supreme Court Civil Process, from the Justice Education Society, is one of a series of self-help guidebooks about civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court of BC.
• The Family Law in British Columbia website from Legal Services Society features extensive information about going to Supreme Court to deal with a family law matter. The section If You Have to Go to Court includes a video titled "Introduction to Supreme Court". The section Getting a Divorce includes a guide on doing your own uncontested divorce. There are also guides on getting an initial family order in the BC Supreme Court if you and the other party agree or if you and the other party cannot agree, under the section Court Orders.

Need more help?

See these resources on the HelpMap that can help you with Supreme Court related matters. Includes clinics that can help you fill out forms (may be location-restricted).

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about courts & tribunals
• See all common questions about family law

tags

Supreme Court, going to court, do your own divorce, starting a case