Which BC court to get a separation or divorce?

In British Columbia, both the Provincial Court and Supreme Court hear family law cases. The BC Provincial Court is sometimes called Family Court (opens in a new tab) because it is generally easier and less costly for people to deal with family law issues in this court. For this reason, whenever possible, it is good to settle whatever issues you can in BC Provincial Court and then to only use BC Supreme Court as necessary.

Only the BC Supreme Court can make orders for divorce and property division. The Supreme Court can make orders under the Canadian Divorce Act (opens in a new tab) and the BC Family Law Act (opens in a new tab). The Provincial Court can only make orders under the BC Family Law Act. (opens in a new tab)

For more information about which BC court to use for family law issues and the differences between the courts, see Family Law in BC (opens in a new tab). If you need help to learn more about your legal rights and options to separate or divorce, visit a Family Justice Centre (opens in a new tab) or Ask JES your family law questions.