Difference between pages "LSLAP File Administrative Policy – Small Claims (20:App M)" and "Family Violence (3:VIII)"

From Clicklaw Wikibooks
(Difference between pages)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 12, 2021}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = family}}


{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 16, 2020}}
== A. Family Law Act ==
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = smallclaims}}
This chapter is specific to LSLAP clinicians. It sets out internal LSLAP practice and policy regarding Small Claims.


== 1. Representation (LSLAP Assistance) ==
Under the FLA, a court may issue a family law protection order against a family member in a dispute when there is a likelihood of family violence. Family violence is inclusive of physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. When children are involved, both direct and indirect exposure to violence meet the definition of family violence in s 1 of the Act.  


The general rule is that parties are not allowed to have a representative, without asking for CRT permission, unless they are a minor or someone with impaired mental capacity. If a party is wanting to request a representative they can request one in the online intake system or by filling out a Representation Request Form.
Applications for a protection order can be made alongside applications for other family court orders or on their own. The involvement of the criminal justice system is not required. Applications can be made in both Provincial Court and Supreme Court.  


If a party is using a lawyer as their representative, the lawyer will be able to communicate with the CRT on their behalf.  
There is no cost to apply for a protection order in BC Provincial Court. If you are seeking a divorce, you may apply for a protection order at the BC Supreme Court for a fee ($80 for divorce proceedings that have begun, and $200 if not). It is possible to obtain an order to waive fees at the Supreme Court. The Legal Services Society publication “For Your Protection” outlines the process and the forms required to seek a protection order. https://familylaw.lss.bc.ca/publications/your-protection


CRT parties can also hire a lawyer and use them as a helper. If they are using a lawyer as a helper, the lawyer will not be able to speak on their behalf. The CRT also won’t be able to talk to your helper about your case; the tribunal’s communications are with the parties themselves. A helper can help them keep organized, take notes, provide you with emotional support, help you fill out online forms, as well as other tasks. For LSLAP's purposes, we can provide legal advice to the party while the CRT matter is underway. This includes advising how to draft pleadings, corresponding with the other party, advising on settlement offers, and drafting submissions that the party can present on their own to the CRT.
Before issuing a protection order, courts will consider the history of family violence, the nature of that violence, the present relationship between the at-risk family member and the violent family member, and circumstances which increase the risk of violence or the vulnerability of the at-risk family member (s 184(1)).  


Protection orders may prohibit direct or indirect communication, attending locations frequently entered by the at-risk family member, and possessing a weapon (see s 18(3) for additional prohibitions). Unless the court establishes otherwise, an order will expire one year after the date it is issued.


{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters15-22}}
== A. Divorce Act ==
 
Effective March 1, 2021, the amended Divorce Act includes provisions for identifying family violence and assessing its relevance to family disputes.
 
Family violence is conduct by one family member which causes another family member to fear for the safety of themselves or another person. The amended DA characterizes this as threatening or violent behaviour, or a pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour (see s 2(1) of the amended DA for the definition of family violence and a list of conduct which meets this definition). These behaviours need not be criminal offences, nor are they required to meet the threshold for proof in criminal law to qualify as family violence under the updated DA. If a child is exposed to direct or indirect violence, this is considered family violence and possibly child abuse.
 
Under the amended Divorce Act, family violence is a factor under consideration in establishing parenting and contact arrangements for children (s 16(3)(j) of the amended DA). Courts may consider family violence grounds to modify or waive notice requirements for changes in residence (s 16.96(3)). Family violence will also be a factor in determining whether family dispute resolution would be inappropriate (s 7.7(2) of the amended DA).
 
{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters1-7}}

Revision as of 21:39, 25 August 2021

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 12, 2021.



A. Family Law Act

Under the FLA, a court may issue a family law protection order against a family member in a dispute when there is a likelihood of family violence. Family violence is inclusive of physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. When children are involved, both direct and indirect exposure to violence meet the definition of family violence in s 1 of the Act.

Applications for a protection order can be made alongside applications for other family court orders or on their own. The involvement of the criminal justice system is not required. Applications can be made in both Provincial Court and Supreme Court.

There is no cost to apply for a protection order in BC Provincial Court. If you are seeking a divorce, you may apply for a protection order at the BC Supreme Court for a fee ($80 for divorce proceedings that have begun, and $200 if not). It is possible to obtain an order to waive fees at the Supreme Court. The Legal Services Society publication “For Your Protection” outlines the process and the forms required to seek a protection order. https://familylaw.lss.bc.ca/publications/your-protection

Before issuing a protection order, courts will consider the history of family violence, the nature of that violence, the present relationship between the at-risk family member and the violent family member, and circumstances which increase the risk of violence or the vulnerability of the at-risk family member (s 184(1)).

Protection orders may prohibit direct or indirect communication, attending locations frequently entered by the at-risk family member, and possessing a weapon (see s 18(3) for additional prohibitions). Unless the court establishes otherwise, an order will expire one year after the date it is issued.

A. Divorce Act

Effective March 1, 2021, the amended Divorce Act includes provisions for identifying family violence and assessing its relevance to family disputes.

Family violence is conduct by one family member which causes another family member to fear for the safety of themselves or another person. The amended DA characterizes this as threatening or violent behaviour, or a pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour (see s 2(1) of the amended DA for the definition of family violence and a list of conduct which meets this definition). These behaviours need not be criminal offences, nor are they required to meet the threshold for proof in criminal law to qualify as family violence under the updated DA. If a child is exposed to direct or indirect violence, this is considered family violence and possibly child abuse.

Under the amended Divorce Act, family violence is a factor under consideration in establishing parenting and contact arrangements for children (s 16(3)(j) of the amended DA). Courts may consider family violence grounds to modify or waive notice requirements for changes in residence (s 16.96(3)). Family violence will also be a factor in determining whether family dispute resolution would be inappropriate (s 7.7(2) of the amended DA).

© Copyright 2023, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.