Going to family court
Last reviewed August 2026 by the Clicklaw editors
Not all family law cases go to trial, but when you can't agree on an issue like parenting arrangements or property division, you may need to go to court to ask for an order from a judge.
Sometimes you can ask for a temporary order, called an interim order, or you might ask for a final order, like a divorce order or who gets to keep the house. Find out which court can make orders in your family law case and how to start or respond to a claim. Also learn about how to lower your court costs, or avoid court through mediation or collaborative negotiation.
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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If You Have to Go to Court
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes what to expect when you go to court for a conference, Chambers hearing, or trial. Includes how to prepare for court, and tips on what you can do and how you should act to make your case go smoothly.
Last reviewed March 2024
Courtroom Basics
Provincial Court of British Columbia
This page will help you learn basic information about courtrooms, court procedures, and common legal words.
Last reviewed March 2026
Bringing a Support Person to Family Court
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Many self-represented litigants find that having a trusted friend or family member with them to provide emotional support, take notes, and organize documents can be a big help. The BC Provincial Court recognizes this, and they’ve adopted guidelines to make it easier to bring a support person to provincial family court.
Last reviewed December 2024
Participating Remotely
Provincial Court of British Columbia
General guidance for appearing in court by computer or phone without having to physically be in the courthouse. This applies to small claims court, provincial family court, and some criminal bail hearings.
Last reviewed March 2026
I’ve Been Served with a Provincial Court Form
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Step-by-step guides to help you figure out what to do if you’re the respondent in a family law case and you’ve been served with a court form in Provincial Court.
Last reviewed August 2026
Trials in Provincial Court
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information about getting ready for a family law trial in Provincial Court, including what happens at a trial, how the courtroom is set up, how evidence is presented, and what goes in a trial book.
Last reviewed May 2024
Family Management Conference
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains the family management conference, which is your first appearance in provincial family court when you or your ex-spouse has filed an application.
Last reviewed December 2024
Get an Order in Provincial Court
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Step-by-step guides on how to get different kinds of orders in Provincial Court including final, interim, case management orders, and priority parenting orders. Guides are for if you both agree, or if you don't agree.
Last reviewed August 2026
I’ve Been Served with a Supreme Court Form
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Step-by-step guides to help you figure out what to do if you’re the respondent in a family law case and you’ve been served with a court form from the BC Supreme Court. Also includes responding to a Notice of Family Claim for a divorce order.
Last reviewed August 2026
Starting a Family Law Claim
Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook can help you learn about how to start or respond to a family law proceeding in the BC Supreme Court.
Last reviewed August 2026
Before Trial: Judicial Case Conference (family law)
Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook introduces what a judicial case conference is, including which forms you will need.
Last reviewed March 2024
Schedule and Prepare for Your Supreme Court Trial
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
A step-by-step guide that helps you getting ready for your Supreme Court family law trial. Includes scheduling a trial, attending a Trial Management Conference, and filing and serving the necessary documents.
Last reviewed March 2024
Get an Order in Supreme Court
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Step-by-step guides on how to get orders in the Supreme Court of BC including orders to waive fees, final orders, interim orders, or how to start a new family law case to get an order in Supreme Court, such as divorce.
Last reviewed August 2026
Costs and Expenses
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information about costs and expenses related to going to Provincial or Supreme Court for a family law issue.
Last reviewed August 2026
Get an Order to Waive Fees (Supreme Court)
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Online step-by-step guide on how to apply for an order to waive fees. This lets you begin or respond to a court application without paying the fees. Includes links to blank forms.
Last reviewed July 2026
Unbundled Legal Services
People’s Law School
This website provides information about unbundled legal services — a service model for lower-cost legal help. You hire a lawyer to help with parts of your legal matter (rather than the whole file). You get the support you need at a manageable cost.
Last reviewed February 2026
Alternatives to Court
People’s Law School
Practical information on your legal rights and options when it comes to alternatives to court in British Columbia.
Last reviewed July 2026
Alternatives to Family Court
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Understand your alternatives to family court, including different types of mediation and collaborative solutions.
Last reviewed December 2024
Early Resolution Process (family law)
Government of British Columbia
The Provincial Court Family Rules introduced Early Resolution Registries, which applies to issues under the Family Law Act in certain locations. In these registries, there are early resolution requirements for family law matters in Provincial Court. This page tells you where the process applies, information about the process & the steps involved.
Last reviewed November 2024
JP Boyd on Family Law: Resolving Family Law Problems in Court
John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of the process for starting and replying to proceedings in Provincial Court and Supreme Court. Includes information about case conferences, interim orders, enforcing orders, and changing final orders.
Last reviewed March 2024
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
Do You Need to Go to Provincial (Family) Court or Supreme Court?
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
This page includes information about which court you can go to get a court order.
Last reviewed August 2026