Disputes regarding your family and children can be extremely stressful. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the parties are unable to resolve their differences on their own or with the assistance of counsel. In those circumstances, they may have to attend court to have a Judge make these important decisions.
The lawyers at Quay Law Centre provide representation at all levels of court, including Provincial Court, Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. It is the courts’ job to make decisions regarding family disputes in a fair and impartial manner.
When you retain us, we will assess your case and recommend the judicial venue that is appropriate to your specific case. We will also ensure the court processes are explained clearly to you. Throughout the court process, we will act as a liaison with the court systems regarding court dates, paperwork, discoveries, documentation, interim orders and other important details. Contact us today to learn more about the court processes and how we can help you navigate them successfully.
Below, please find a summary of the three levels of court in British Columbia.
Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Family Law Act (FLA) came into force on March 18, 2013, and replaced the Family Relations Act (FRA). The FLA places the safety and best interests of the child first when families are going through separation and divorce. It also clarifies parental responsibilities and the division of assets if relationships break down, addresses family violence and encourages families to resolve their disputes out of court.
The British Columbia Provincial Court’s Family Court division handles select family law issues under British Columbia’s FLA. While the Family Court cannot grant a divorce or deal with property matters, it can deal with other important family matters including:
- Guardianship of children
- Parenting responsibilities
- Contact and parenting relationships
- Child support and special expenses
- Spousal support and child support
- No contact/restraining orders
- Variation and enforcement of orders
- Child protection issues brought by the Ministry for Children and Family Development under the Provincial Child, Family and Community Service Act
Before a disputed issue goes to trial, the parties may be asked to attend a Family Case Conference (FCC) before a Judge. This conference offers an opportunity to settle matters outside of court. If negotiation is successful, the judge will make a consent order at the FCC.
If the parties are unable to resolve their matter at the FCC, they can proceed to a trial. At a trial, the court will hear evidence and review documents from each party. Each party can also call other witnesses, which may include other professionals, such as teachers, doctors, accountants or others.
Following a hearing/trial, the Judge will then make a decision regarding the outstanding issues. The terms of the Judge’s decision will form part of a court order.
Supreme Court of British Columbia
The Supreme Court handles family law cases under Canada’s Divorce Act and British Columbia’s Family Law Act (FLA). The Supreme Court deals with all of the same matters that the Provincial Court can address, as well as:
- Divorce orders
- Orders for the division of family property
- Restraining orders regarding property
- Adoption
As in Provincial Court, the parties may be asked to attend a Judicial Case Conference (JCC), that is presided over by a Judge in an attempt to settle or narrow the issues before going to trial.
Supreme Court of Canada
When an action is commenced in the British Columbia Supreme Court, there are numerous procedures that may be utilized and there are some procedures that must be done by the party litigants. Please review our page on Supreme Court processes and procedures for more information.
British Columbia’s Court of Appeal
If you feel that a court order you received from a judge is unfair, you can challenge it by appealing to a higher level of court. An order of the Provincial Court is appealed to the Supreme Court, and an order of the Supreme Court is appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is the highest level of court in British Columbia. An appeal is not a new trial; it is a review of the existing decision to determine if the initial judge made an error of fact or law.
A new judge will hear arguments for and against the appeal, review transcripts and evidence from the trial, and make a decision.
To learn more about the court process and to schedule a consultation, call us locally at 604-527-1161. From our multiple offices, we represent clients in the Metro-Vancouver area, including Surrey, Fraser Valley, Tri-Cities, Burnaby, Kelowna, and any other area throughout B.C., Canada and internationally.