Difference between revisions of "Provincial (Family) Court"

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Provincial (Family) Court (view source)

Revision as of 05:16, 22 September 2020

2,286 bytes added ,  05:16, 22 September 2020
no edit summary
m (Elena Renderos moved page Family Court to Provincial (Family) Court: Updating page title)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = Ling Wong, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP |date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = disputes}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = Ling Wong, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP |date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = disputes}}
If you’re dealing with a family law issue, you may end up in '''Family Court'''. (There are advantages to this court over Supreme Court.) Learn what’s involved at each stage.  
If you’re dealing with a family law issue, you may end up in Provincial Court (often called Family Court). There are advantages to using this court instead of BC Supreme Court. Learn what’s involved at each stage.


==Understand the legal framework==
{{PLSStorybox
| image = [[File:Annika.png|link=]]
| text      = "My spouse and I ended our 16-year relationship. After separating, we couldn’t reach an agreement about spousal support and who our three children should live with. So I started a court action in the Family Court near me. I didn’t have to pay court filing fees, and I found the process easier to follow than I expected. At our family case conference, we ended up with a consent order that resolved our family law issues." <br>– Annika, Maple Ridge
}}


===Family Court is one of two courts that deal with family issues===
==What you should know==
'''Family Court''' is a division of the [http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/types-of-cases/family-matters British Columbia Provincial Court]. Other divisions of the Provincial Court deal with criminal, traffic, and small claims cases.


Family Court deals with most legal issues that impact families, but not all of them. It deals with these issues under the BC ''[http://canlii.ca/t/8q3k Family Law Act]'':
===Family Court can deal with many family issues===
*guardianship of a child and parental responsibilities
'''Family Court''' is a division of [http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/types-of-cases/family-matters the British Columbia Provincial Court]. (Other divisions of the Provincial Court deal with criminal, traffic, and small claims cases.)
*parenting time and contact with a child
 
*child support and spousal support
Family Court deals with many, but not all, of the legal issues that affect families. It handles the following issues under [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2011-c-25/latest/sbc-2011-c-25.html the BC ''Family Law Act'']:
*protection orders
 
* guardianship of a child and parental responsibilities
* parenting time and contact with a child
* child support and spousal support
* protection orders


Family Court also deals with child protection cases.
Family Court also deals with child protection cases.


Family Court '''cannot''':  
Family Court '''cannot''' make orders under the federal ''Divorce Act''. It can’t:
*grant a divorce  
 
*divide property or debts, or make orders about family property
* grant a divorce
*change an order that was made under the ''[http://canlii.ca/t/7vbw Divorce Act]''  
* divide property or debts, or make orders about family property
*make adoption orders
* change an order that was made [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-3-2nd-supp/latest/rsc-1985-c-3-2nd-supp.html under the ''Divorce Act'']
* make adoption orders


To deal with these issues, you have to go to [https://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/supreme_court/index.aspx British Columbia Supreme Court].
For these issues, [https://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/supreme_court/index.aspx you have to go to the British Columbia Supreme Court]. This is the other court in BC that also deals with family law issues.


===Advantages of Family Court===
===Advantages of Family Court===
The Supreme Court can deal with all family law issues, including all of the issues the Provincial Court deals with.  
The Supreme Court can deal with all family law issues, including all of the issues Family Court deals with. So why would you want to go to Family Court?


Given that, why would you want to go to Family Court?
Family Court has some advantages over Supreme Court:


Family Court has some advantages over Supreme Court:
* The Provincial Court forms are easier to fill out than Supreme Court forms.
*The court forms are easier to fill out than Supreme Court forms.
* No court fees are charged.
*No court fees are charged.
* The rules of court are simpler than the rules of the Supreme Court.
*The rules of court are simpler than the rules of the Supreme Court.
* The atmosphere of Family Court is more informal.
*The atmosphere of Family Court is more informal.
* Family Courts have '''family justice counsellors''' available. These are specially trained government workers who can help people resolve certain types of family law issues, including through mediation. Their services are free and confidential.
*Family Courts have '''family justice counsellors''' available. These are specially trained government workers who can help people resolve some family law issues, including through mediation. Their services are free.
* Many Family Courts have '''family duty counsel''' available. These are lawyers who provide free legal advice to help people with low incomes deal with their family law problems.
*Family Courts sometimes have '''family duty counsel''' available. These are lawyers who provide free legal advice to help people with low incomes deal with their family law problems.  


===Starting a case in Family Court===
===Starting a case in Family Court===
Family Court is available to everyone who has family law issues, including couples who are married, couples who aren’t married, people who have had a child together, and anyone (such as a relative) who has an interest in a child.
Family Court is for everyone who has family law issues, including:


A case is started in Family Court by '''filing an application''' with the court. Depending on what kind of orders are being sought, other documents may also be required.
* couples who are married
* couples who aren’t married
* people who have had a child together
* anyone (such as a relative) who has an interest in a child


The applicant makes three copies of the documents, and files the documents at a Family Court registry. There’s no fee for filing the documents.
A case in Family Court starts with paperwork. You fill out and '''file an application''' with the court. Depending on what kind of orders you’re asking for, other forms and documents may also be required.


The applicant then '''serves''' a copy of the filed documents on the other party. There are strict rules about how to give court documents to the other party.  
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
The Victoria Provincial (Family) Court registry has its own court process. The Victoria process highlights early resolution. If you’re starting a family law case in Victoria, you can find [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice/your-options/early-resolution more information on the BC government’s website].
|}
 
You make three copies of the documents. These then have to be filed at a Family Court registry. There’s '''no fee''' for filing the documents.
 
You then '''serve''' a copy of the filed documents on the other person in the case. You and the other person are called the “parties” to the case. There are strict rules about how to give court documents to the other party.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
Blank Family Court forms are on the [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/documents-forms-records/court-forms/prov-family-forms BC government website]. You can also get free printed forms from the [http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/locations-contacts Family Court registry] in the town or city where you live.
[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/documents-forms-records/court-forms/prov-family-forms You can find blank court forms on the BC government website]. You can also get free printed forms from [http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/locations-contacts the court registry in the town or city where you live]. [https://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Provincial_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) Samples of many completed forms are available from ''JP Boyd on Family Law''].
|}
|}


===After the case is started===
===After a case is started in Family Court===
Different registries of the Family Court have different rules about what happens next. Some registries require that parties meet with a '''family justice counsellor''' before they can see a judge. Family justice counsellors can help families resolve issues relating to the care and support of children, including through providing mediation.  
[https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/locations-contacts There are registries at various Provincial Courts throughout BC]. Different registries have different rules about what happens next. Some registries require that parties meet with a '''family justice counsellor''' before they can see a judge. Family justice counsellors can help families resolve issues about the care and support of children. Their services include mediation and counselling.
 
Other registries require parties to take a “'''Parenting After Separation” course''' before they can see a judge. This free course helps parents with how to make decisions in the best interests of their child. It's a good idea to take the course whether the court requires it or not.
Other court registries require parties to take a '''Parenting After Separation course''' before they can see a judge. This free course helps parents understand how to make decisions in the best interests of their child. It's a good idea to take the course whether the court requires it or not.
 
The parties may be asked to attend a '''family case conference''' to see if the dispute can be resolved without a court hearing. This is an informal meeting with a judge. At the meeting, the parties talk about the issues each party has raised in the case, see what can be agreed to, and talk about how the claims will be resolved going forward.


The parties may be asked to attend a '''family case conference''' to see if the dispute can be resolved without a hearing. This is an informal meeting with a judge to talk about the claims each party has made, see what can be agreed to, and talk about how the claims will be resolved. Family law cases are often resolved at these conferences. When the parties can agree, the judge will make a '''consent order''' at the conference.
Family law cases are often resolved at these conferences. When the parties can agree, the judge will make a '''consent order''' at the conference.


===Options to resolve a case outside the courtroom===  
===Options to resolve a case outside the courtroom===  
Once a family law case has been started, the parties can try to resolve their issues without going to a hearing before a Family Court judge.  
Once a family law case has been started, the parties can try to resolve their issues without going to a hearing before a judge.
 
The parties might try '''negotiating''' with each other to try to reach an agreement. They could do this with or without the help of lawyers. They could also get help from other family members, elders, or other community members.


The parties might try '''negotiating''' with each other. This involves discussing the issues to try to reach an agreement. They could negotiate with the help of lawyers or without lawyers. They could also get help from other family members, elders or other community members.
The parties could try '''mediation'''. This involves meeting with a neutral person (a mediator) who helps find a solution everyone can agree on. The mediator doesn’t make decisions, but instead helps the parties make decisions for themselves. Parties can use a family justice counsellor as their mediator (their services are free). Or they can hire a private mediator.


The parties could try '''mediation'''. This involves meeting with a neutral person (a mediator), who helps them find a solution they agree on. The mediator doesn’t make decisions, but rather helps the parties make decisions for themselves.  Parties can use a family justice counsellor as their mediator (their services are free) or they can hire a private mediator.
Or the parties could try '''collaborative practice'''. This is also known as “collaborative family law.” It’s a kind of negotiation where each party has their own lawyer and agrees to do everything possible to reach a settlement without going to court. The approach emphasizes full disclosure, communication, and a safe and respectful environment to help the parties negotiate a settlement collaboratively.
Or the parties could try '''collaborative practice'''. Also known as “collaborative family law”, this is a kind of negotiation where each party has their own lawyer and agree they will do everything possible to reach a settlement without going to court. The approach emphasizes full disclosure, communication, and a safe and respectful environment to help the parties negotiate a settlement collaboratively.


For more on these approaches, see our information on [[Mediation and Collaborative Practice (No. 111)|mediation and collaborative practice (no. 111)]].
For more on these approaches, [[Mediation and Collaborative Practice|see our information on mediation and collaborative practice]].


===If the parties can agree on the issues===
===If the parties can agree on the issues===
If the parties can work out their issues, their agreement can be recorded in writing. Or it might be recorded in an order the parties agree the judge will make, called a '''consent order'''. Most family law cases are settled by an agreement or consent order.
If the parties can work out their issues, they can put their agreement into writing. Or they might want a judge to make a court order that reflects their agreement. This is called a '''consent order'''. Most family law cases are settled by an agreement or consent order.
 
Both parties must sign the written agreement or consent order.


Both parties must sign the written agreement or consent order.  
Each party should get '''independent legal advice''' from a lawyer before they sign the document. This involves each party meeting with their own lawyer to get legal advice. A lawyer can explain:


Each party should get '''independent legal advice''' from a lawyer before they sign the document. This involves each party meeting with their own lawyer to get advice about what the agreement means, what rights and obligations the agreement gives to each party, and how the agreement affects other legal options that might otherwise be available.
* what the agreement means
* what rights and obligations the agreement gives to each party
* how the agreement affects other legal options that might otherwise be available


===Going to Family Court===
See the “Who can help” section below for options to get legal advice.
If the parties cannot settle their issues and have to go to a trial, they will have a '''hearing''' before a Family Court judge.  


In your community, Provincial Court might have a separate courtroom for family law cases, or family law cases might be heard in one of the regular courtrooms on a particular day of the week. Usually there is a day each week or every other week when the court will hear family law cases.
===If the case goes to trial===
If the parties can’t settle their issues and have to go to a trial, they’ll have a '''hearing''' before a judge.


At the hearing, witnesses give oral testimony (they tell the court their side of the case) and present documents or other evidence. Often, the parties themselves are the only witnesses.  
In your community, the Provincial Court might have a separate courtroom for family law cases. Or family law cases might be heard in one of the regular courtrooms on a particular day of the week. Usually there’s one day each week or every other week when the court will hear family law cases.


After all of the evidence has been given to the judge, each side will make arguments to the judge and explain why the judge should make a particular order. The judge will then make an order resolving the issues.
At the hearing, witnesses give oral testimony (they tell the court their side of the case) and present documents or other evidence. Often, the parties themselves are the only witnesses.
 
After all of the evidence has been given to the judge, each side will make arguments to the judge. They’ll explain why they think the judge should decide in their favor. The judge will then make an order resolving the issues.


==Common questions==
==Common questions==


===Do I need a lawyer to appear in Family Court?===
===Do I need a lawyer to appear in Family Court?===
There is no rule that people have a lawyer when they are going to court. The rules and forms in Family Court are simpler than in Supreme Court, and the atmosphere is more informal in Family Court. If you are planning to represent yourself in Family Court, consider getting legal advice beforehand. Or you could explore hiring an “unbundled lawyer” to help coach you or help with part of your case. To find a lawyer who offers unbundled services, see [http://unbundlinglaw.ca unbundlinglaw.ca].
You '''don’t''' have to have a lawyer when you go to court. Over a third of people bringing a case in Family Court represent themselves. The rules and forms in Family Court are simpler than in Supreme Court and the atmosphere is more informal.


===What to do in an emergency?===
{| class="wikitable"
After a case is started in Family Court, there is a waiting time for an appointment to see a family justice counsellor or take the “Parenting After Separation” course. If you’re experiencing family violence, tell the court clerk. The clerk can explain how the Family Court can make a '''protection order''' in an emergency. This is a court order to protect one person from another. For more on this option, see our information on [[Family Violence (No. 155)|family violence (no. 155)]].  
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
If you’re planning to represent yourself in Family Court, consider getting legal advice about your case beforehand. Or you could explore hiring an “unbundled lawyer” to help coach you or help with part of your case. To find a lawyer who offers unbundled services, [https://unbundlinglaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ see '''unbundlinglaw.ca'''].
|}
 
===What can I do in an emergency?===
After a case is started in Family Court, there is a wait time to get an appointment to see a family justice counsellor or to take the Parenting After Separation course. But in certain circumstances, different procedures apply. If you’re experiencing family violence, tell the court clerk. They can explain how the Family Court can make a '''protection order''' in an emergency. This is a court order to protect one person from another. For more on this option, [[Family Violence (No. 155)|see our information on family violence]].
   
   
==Get help==
==Who can help==


===With your case===
===With your case===
To make an appointment with a family justice counsellor, contact the nearest '''Family Justice Centre''' by calling Service BC.  
To make an appointment with a family justice counsellor, contact the nearest '''Family Justice Centre''' by calling Service BC.  
:Telephone: 604-660-2421 in Metro Vancouver or 250-387-6121 in Victoria
* Call 1-800-663-7867 (toll-free)
:Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867  
* [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice/who-can-help/family-justice-counsellors Visit website]
:Web: [http://www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/ justicebc.ca/en/fam]  


Unbundling allows you to hire a lawyer for specific parts of your case or to coach you through the court process. '''Unbundled Legal Services''' lists family law lawyers who offer these services.
Unbundling allows you to hire a lawyer for specific parts of your case or to coach you through the court process. '''Unbundled Legal Services''' lists family law lawyers who offer these services.
:Web: [http://unbundlinglaw.ca unbundlinglaw.ca]
* [http://unbundlinglaw.ca/ Visit website]
 
For options for '''legal advice''', [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help|see our information on free and low-cost legal help]]. It explains options such as legal aid, pro bono services, legal clinics, and advocates.
 
===With more information===
Legal Aid BC’s '''Family Law website''' has self-help guides that include step-by-step instructions and blank forms you’ll need for going to Provincial (Family) Court.
 
* [https://familylaw.lss.bc.ca/bc-legal-system/court-orders/get-order-bc/get-order-provincial-court Visit website]
 
The wikibook ''JP Boyd on Family Law'' explains how to start a family law action in the Family Court.
 
* [[How Do I Start a Family Law Action in the Provincial Court?|Visit website]]


===More information===
The Justice Education Society’s '''HowToSeparate''' website provides online courses one how to work out family problems and instructions for going to court.
The Legal Services Society’s '''Family Law in BC website''' features guides that include step-by-step instructions and blank forms you’ll need for going to Family Court.
:Web: [https://familylaw.lss.bc.ca/legal_issues/legalSystemDIY.php familylaw.lss.bc.ca]


The '''“Parenting After Separation” course''' is provided by Justice Education Society of BC and can be done online or in-person.
* [https://www.howtoseparate.ca/ Visit website]
:Web: [http://parenting.familieschange.ca/ parenting.familieschange.ca]


{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox|type=families}}
{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox|type=families}}
{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}
{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}
Elena Renderos
2,553

edits

Retrieved from "https://stagewiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php?title=Special:MobileDiff/47788"

Navigation menu