Summary

• The Family Law Centre is a provincially funded service that provides free, trauma-informed legal support to people experiencing family violence
• With clinics in Surrey and Victoria, the Family Law Centre offers in-person and virtual services in many communities throughout B.C.
• Since launched in 2024, Family Law Centres have helped more than 350 clients who have provided positive feedback

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An innovative family law program is supporting people experiencing family violence in British Columbia with free legal support to help to resolve family law issues.

“Survivors of family violence often suffer in silence and without the safety they deserve,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “It’s unacceptable and why we’re working across government to remove barriers to justice. I’m proud to see the Family Law Centre working as intended by successfully supporting people who cannot afford legal services to get the help they need to leave dangerous situations when they need it.”

Helping survivors access justice

The Family Law Centre, funded by the Province and delivered by Legal Aid BC, offers free, trauma-informed services to survivors of family violence who are unable to afford legal representation.

The program has clinics in Surrey and Victoria supporting people in person in these communities and surrounding areas. The program offers virtual services for people in other Lower Mainland, Interior and Vancouver Island locations.

“I had my appointment yesterday at the Legal Aid Family Law Centre. They are so kind. They were very helpful, patient with me and listened to my story,” said a client (details not disclosed to protect their privacy and safety). “I am so grateful to the folks at the Family Law Centre and all those who work behind the scenes. Some of the weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Since its launch in 2024, the Family Law Centre has helped more than 350 clients with family law matters. Of the 65% of clients who provided gender data to Legal Aid BC, 81% identified as cisgender women, 11% identified as Indigenous, 30% identified as racialized and 28% identified as having some form of a disability.

Clients have highlighted the kindness and patience of staff, and appreciate the dedicated support and expert guidance received.

What support is available

Eligible clients receive holistic support, including free legal representation and related services necessary to meaningfully stabilize their legal situation.

Clients work with a lawyer and an advocate who support them throughout their family law case.

Common issues people can get help with include:

• protection orders
• parenting matters, such as denial of parenting time
• child support
• help with other overlapping issues, such as spousal support, property division and divorce

Staff can connect clients with other services, such as counselling, Indigenous cultural supports, parenting support programs, settlement services and victim services.

“Having guidance and support through family legal proceedings truly eases some of the burden for our clients during an incredibly difficult time,” said a local service provider supporting survivors (details of the organization not disclosed to protect client privacy and safety). “The professionalism, advocacy and trauma-informed approach of the Family Law Centre team has allowed us to focus more on our day-to-day work to support clients, knowing their legal needs are being addressed with care and expertise.”

Who can access the service

People wanting to access the Family Law Centre program are encouraged to contact Legal Aid BC to find out if they are eligible for a free lawyer and an advocate. The Legal Aid BC Call Centre can be contacted from anywhere in B.C. by phone at 604-408-2172 for the Greater Vancouver area, and 1-866-577-2525 from elsewhere in the province.

Intake staff will help assess legal issues and determine whether someone is eligible for this program or other Legal Aid BC services.

“It’s the nature of the model that makes it so impactful,” says Wendy Jackson, CEO, Legal Aid BC. “People often need a range of supports and the Family Law Centre provides a convenient, centralized location for them to access the help they need.”

The Family Law Centre is funded through a three-year, $29-million provincial contribution to Legal Aid BC announced in 2024. It is part of government’s commitment to reduce family poverty, support victims of gender-based violence and expand access to justice. It complements other initiatives, such as the Early Resolution Process, Family Law Act Modernization Project and the Intimate Images Protection Act.

Quick Facts:

• Staff at the Family Law Centre clinic in Surrey deliver services by phone and virtually for people in Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George, and covers the Surrey, New Westminster and Abbotsford courthouses.
• The clinic in Victoria delivers dedicated mobile and virtual services to Nanaimo and Duncan, and covers the Victoria and Colwood courthouses.

Quotes:

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity –

“Family violence disproportionately affects women and gender-diverse people, and too often its harmful effects extend to children. Free legal services for survivors through the family law clinics ensure affordability is no longer a barrier to accessing justice.”

Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey-Newton –

“The Family Law Centre clinic in Surrey is a critical service for people in our community who are dealing with some of the most difficult times in their lives. Having this kind of free legal support will make a real, meaningful difference for people during these challenging times.” 

 Learn More:

• To learn more about the Family Law Centre, visit: https://legalaid.bc.ca/services/family-law-centre
• To learn more about Legal Aid BC, visit: https://legalaid.bc.ca
• For more information about how to get help through the Family Law Centre, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5TEph7oB-Y