Children & parenting

Explains that when parents separate, they must work out the details of how their children will be cared for. This includes decisions about guardianship, parenting arrangements, and contact. Learn about these parenting after separation issues and the laws that apply. You can also find answers to some common questions.

Describes who is a parent, how to become a guardian, and the responsibilities of parents and guardians after separation. Also explains the rights of the child, parents, step-parents, and other relatives

Explains the differences between using an alias and legally changing your name, if you have to apply to the court to change your name when you marry or divorce, and the steps for doing so.

The legal rights of children vary from those of adults. Learn the rights of children in several contexts, and situations where their views are considered in decisions that affect them.

Explains that going to court over a family law problem can be stressful, time consuming, and expensive. Learn how to use mediation, collaborative negotiation, or arbitration to resolve issues without going to court. You can also find answers to some common questions.

On December 7, 2020, the provincial court registries in Surrey and Victoria adopted the early resolution and case management aspects of the new Provincial Court Family Rules. This page tells you about the process and the steps involved. Also includes a poster and a brochure downloadable in PDF.

This article explains the Family Management Conference at the Provincial Court of BC. Includes definitions, steps for preparing yourself, what will happen at the conference, what happens if you need a trial, getting a copy of an order, and links to more details.

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.

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.

This guidebook introduces what a judicial case conference is, including which forms you will need.

A four-and-a-half-minute video that gives an overview of the steps leading up to a Supreme Court family law trial, including scheduling a trial, attending a Trial Management Conference, and filing and serving the necessary documents.

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.

This website is for people in British Columbia who are interested in unbundled legal services — a new 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.

Explains the different types of adoption in BC, and where to find out more about applying.

Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption.

Provides information about the process of international adoption.

Information for parents, guardians, relatives of children, and children and teens about child rights, parenting and contact arrangements, child protection, and adoption.

This chapter provides an overview of the law on the care of children after separation, looking at where the children will live, how parenting decisions will be made, and how often each person will see the children in more detail.

This guide to a family court trial in BC Provincial Court covers trial procedure (what happens at trial), preparing for trial (how to get ready), evidence, cross-examination, and relevant facts for different types of applications. Also contains definitions for some legal words as used in the guide.