Legal Resources

Explains the family management conference, which is your first appearance in provincial family court when you or your ex-spouse has filed an application.

Information for those representing themselves in court who wish to bring a support person during the court hearing, and how to ask the court’s permission to have them come with you.

This guide to a family court trial in BC Provincial Court covers whether it’s the correct court for your legal issue, if you can attend court by phone or videoconference, resources to help you with family disputes, and definitions for some legal words used in court.

The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.

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.

Picklists contain sample language that you can use in court orders and applications. They provide standard wording to help you make yourself understood to the court.

Information about financial statements in family court, including how they’re used in court, and details about filing and copying.

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.

Understand your alternatives to family court, including different types of mediation and collaborative solutions.

Moving to a new country can be challenging. You probably have a number of questions that need to be answered right away. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.