Family Law Act in BC Workshop for Immigrants

This information was prepared as a resource to presenters of family law community workshops for immigrants by the Immigrant

Public Legal Education Information Consortium (IPC). Please note it is the responsibility of the presenter to ensure that

all information is updated as required.

November 2013

Workshop Outline

Introduction - The Family Law Act in BC

About Marriage and Living Together

When a Relationship Ends

About Family Violence

Do You Have to Go to Court?

Ending a Marriage

Resources

Family Law in British Columbia

Family law guides decisions after relationships end about:

the care of childrenthe division of family property and

debtfinancial support

Family Law in British Columbia

Family law provides ways to• resolve disputes without going to court• get protection from family violence

The Family Law Act (FLA) came into effect March 18,

2013, replacing a law written about 30 years ago

About Marriage & Living Together• Who is married?• Getting married in

Canada• Living together • Married and

unmarried spouses

When a Relationship Ends

Separating from your spouseSeparating if you are new to CanadaSponsored spouses

Decisions You Have to Make When You Separate

• Your children come first• Parental responsibilities• Time with children• Money to support your

children• Money to support you or your

spouse• Dividing property and debt

Do You Have to Go to Court?

1. Reasons to stay out of court2. Ways to stay out of court

NegotiationMediationFamily Justice Counsellor servicesCollaborative lawArbitrationParenting Coordination

About Family Violence

Family violence and family law– Defines family violence– Includes spouses and family members

Protection orders– Apply for yourself or someone else– Not obeying is a criminal offence

About Family Violence

Family violence and criminal law – Call police– Peace Bonds

How the Courts Work

Three levels of court1. BC Provincial Court

(Family court)2. BC Supreme Court3. BC Court of Appeal

How to get your case started

Ending a Marriage - Divorce

Three reasons you can divorce1. Spouses have been separated for at least one year2. One spouse has committed adultery3. One spouse has been mentally or physically cruel to the other

Start legal action in the Supreme Court of BC

Resources

1. Family Law in BC Website2. Parenting After Separation