More families in the Lower Mainland now have access to faster, more affordable family-law solutions through the expansion of the Early Resolution Process (ERP).

“Navigating the legal process can be costly and complicated, especially during emotionally challenging times, making it difficult to get resolutions when families need it most,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Evidence has shown that the Early Resolution Process is providing families the peace of mind that comes with timely resolutions out of court. With this expansion, there are now more options for families to receive the support they need, when they need it, without the stress and cost of going to court.”

The ERP is now available in Provincial Court family registries in Pemberton, Richmond, Sechelt, North Vancouver and Vancouver (Robson Square). The process is a free service that applies to family-law matters, such as parenting arrangements, contact, child and spousal support, and companion animals. It is designed to reduce conflict, resolve disputes out of court and develop plans in the best interests of children.   

Services provided through the ERP include screening for family violence, identification of legal and non-legal needs, referrals to community organizations, assistance resolving disputes out-of-court through consensual dispute resolution, and support preparing for next steps, including court processes.

“Resolving family disputes out of court reduces toxic conflict, ensures safety and allows families to come to meaningful resolutions that suit their specific needs and circumstances,” said Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “I am encouraged by the positive results of the Early Resolution Process so far, which has made the justice system more accessible and affordable for families.”

The ERP is already available in Victoria, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and New Westminster Provincial Court family registries. Evaluation of the program shows positive outcomes for families, with results of the service in Surrey showing 57% of families having resolved their family-law issues without going to court and a 61% decline in new family-law cases at the courthouse.

“The best interests of children is at the heart of everything we do in family law, and we know that separation and divorce can have long-lasting impacts on youth,” said Suzette Narbonne, managing lawyer, Society for Children and Youth of B.C. “By helping families to resolve their family-law cases early in the process, we reduce conflict and its adverse impact on children. The Early Resolution Process provides free, accurate support to families and ensures that young people’s voices are not forgotten when important decisions are being made that will affect them.”

Expanding the ERP to more communities means more families can resolve their matters out of court, freeing up court resources for other matters and improving court efficiency.

This expansion is part of government’s work to ensure timely access to justice for people in British Columbia.

Quick Facts:

• Building on existing family-justice services, the Early Resolution Process is designed to enhance understanding, support effective problem-solving and help families prepare for the next steps in their legal journey.
• Family-law matters such as protection, enforcement or priority parenting are not resolved through the Early Resolution Process and will continue to proceed directly to court.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Early Resolution Process, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/EarlyResolution

To learn more about family-justice centres and justice-access centres and where to find them, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/FamilyJusticeCentres