In its narrowest sense, ''the legal system'' refers to the parties, the judges, the court staff and the lawyers that make up the litigation process, and of course the laws and rules that guide the litigation process. Litigation is only one of the choices you have in finding a solution to your family law problems. Other options include negotiation, mediation, collaborative processes and arbitration.

Many people see court as their first and only choice. That might be true if your landlord is trying to evict you unfairly, if your business partner has broken a deal, if you've had a car accident and ICBC won't pay, or if you're suing some huge corporation. It is certainly not true for family law problems.