Provincial Court family court filings can be made by email, mail or fax. The Provincial Court has returned to the pre-COVID process for bringing matters before the court.
Child protection (CFCSA) presentation hearings and protection hearings are urgent and will proceed by telephone on the day they are scheduled. The COVID-19 Notice No. 19 explains which matters will be held by telephone or video-conference and which matters will require in-court attendance. The only matters that will be heard in-person are trials, unless otherwise ordered by a judge.
It is always best if you and the other party can work out the issue on your own. If that is not possible, there are professionals who can help you work out the issues.
Mediate BC has a new program for people dealing with conflict resulting from quarantine or isolation.
Family Justice Services will continue to provide a full range of services to citizens through telephone and other virtual service options until further notice. Services include dispute resolution.
If you cannot agree and the matter is urgent, family court filings can be made by email, mail or fax. A judge will first determine whether your matter is urgent and then your application will be heard by phone. For more information, see the Provincial Court’s Notice to the Profession and Public for guidance on how to make the application. See the Family Law BC website for family law resources and help during the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis.