Children & parenting
Last reviewed March 2024 by the Clicklaw editors
Your role as a parent or guardian is to make decisions that put the well-being of your children first. Things can get complicated when you go through a separation or divorce. Learn about sorting out parenting arrangements and parenting decisions after separation, and about children’s rights and adoption laws.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Click on a topic to see a list of resources.
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Dial-a-Law: Guardianship, Parenting Arrangements, and Contact
People’s Law School
When parents separate, they must work out the details of how their children will be cared for. This includes decisions about guardianship, parenting arrangements, and contact. Learn about these parenting after separation issues and the laws that apply. You can also find answers to some common questions.
Last reviewed August 2026
Parenting & Guardianship
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes who is a parent, how to become a guardian, and the responsibilities of parents and guardians after separation. Also explains the rights of the child, parents, step-parents, and other relatives
Last reviewed March 2024
AFCC-BC Parenting Plan Guide
AFCC-BC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts’ Provisional BC Chapter)
A guide for parents and professionals across BC to create parenting plans that focus on what’s best for the child and appropriate for their development. A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents about how they‘ll raise their children if they separate or get divorced, setting out how to share responsibilities and time with the kids.
Last reviewed August 2026
JP Boyd on Family Law: How Do I Change My Name after Marriage or Divorce?
John-Paul Boyd, KC
Explains the differences between using an alias and legally changing your name, if you have to apply to the court to change your name when you marry or divorce, and the steps for doing so.
Last reviewed April 2024
Dial-a-Law: Children’s Rights
People’s Law School
The legal rights of children vary from those of adults. Learn the rights of children in several contexts, and situations where their views are considered in decisions that affect them.
Last reviewed August 2026
Get an Order about Priority Parenting Matters
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Explains how to apply for orders about priority parenting matters in the Provincial Court. Priority parenting matters include time-sensitive or emergency medical treatment for a child, applying for a passport, a child’s upcoming travel or activity, or a child’s removal from or return to a specific area in BC.
Last reviewed July 2026
Adoption
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Explains the different types of adoption in BC, and where to find out more about applying.
Last reviewed August 2026
Dial-a-Law: Adoption of a Child
People’s Law School
Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption.
Last reviewed August 2026
Intercountry Adoption and the Immigration Process
Government of Canada
Provides information about the process of international adoption.
Last reviewed August 2026
Children
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information for parents, guardians, relatives of children, and children and teens about child rights, parenting and contact arrangements, child protection, and adoption.
Last reviewed August 2026
Information for All Types of Provincial Court Cases
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Information about preparing for different types of cases in Provincial Court and appearing in court including tips about dress, food, and electronic devices; legal terms; courtroom layout; and the people you will see in a courthouse.
Last reviewed August 2026
JP Boyd on Family Law: Children in Family Law Matters
John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of the law on the care of children after separation, looking at where the children will live, how parenting decisions will be made, and how often each person will see the children.
Last reviewed August 2026