Summary

• A new process will encourage people involved in B.C. Supreme Court family and civil matters to resolve disputes earlier, without going to court
• Starting Oct. 1, 2026, the new process will apply to matters such as parenting arrangements, child support, property dispute or money owed
• The changes are expected to reduce unnecessary hearings and adjournments, improving access to justice and freeing court time for matters that require a judicial decision

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People involved in civil and family matters in B.C. Supreme Court will have more opportunities to resolve disputes earlier without going to court through a new application process coming into effect this fall.

Starting Oct. 1, 2026, the person bringing an application will share their materials with the other side, who will have time to respond, before a hearing date is booked.

“When people are dealing with a family or civil dispute, they want a process that is fair, clear and helps resolve issues as early as possible,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “These changes encourage people to exchange information sooner, giving them a better opportunity to understand each other’s position, narrow the issues and, where possible, reach a resolution without a court hearing. That means less delay, less stress and more court time available for matters that require a judicial decision.”

What is changing

Chambers applications are among the most common applications in a civil or family case. They are used when someone asks the court to decide an issue before a trial, often on a temporary basis, such as parenting arrangements, child support, property disputes or money owed.

Under the current process, parties file documents with the court before sharing them with the other side. Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, that order will change.

Under the new “serve, then file” process:

• the person applying will share their application materials with the other side
• the other side will have time to review and respond
• if the matter is not resolved through that exchange, a hearing date will be scheduled
• materials will then be filed with the court according to established timelines

These changes were recommended by the Supreme Court Civil and Family Rules Committee based on feedback from people who use the courts. The committee advises the attorney general on issues affecting access to justice that might be addressed through the court rules.

Supporting materials are available to help people representing themselves and lawyers understand the new process and prepare before the changes take effect.

What this means for people

For people involved in a civil or family court matter, the new process changes when information is exchanged and gives each side more opportunity to understand the other’s position before a hearing is booked:

• people will have more information about the other party’s position earlier in the process
• some disputes may be resolved without the need for a court hearing once information is exchanged
• people will have more time to review materials, seek advice and prepare a response before a hearing date is set
• issues may be narrowed before a hearing, allowing court time to focus on matters that remain in dispute

The changes will not only encourage people to resolve issues earlier and at lower cost, but are also expected to reduce unnecessary hearings and adjournments, freeing court time to hear other important matters.

People throughout B.C. can access support with this process through government’s free Virtual Counter, which connects them with court registry staff by video or phone for help navigating the court system.

Free help and information about court forms and processes are available at court registries, Justice Access Centres, and public legal-education organizations.

The changes are part of ongoing work to improve access to justice in B.C. by helping resolve appropriate disputes earlier and ensuring court time is focused on matters that require judicial determination.

Quick Facts:

• The changes apply to civil and family chambers applications in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
• They do not change criminal matters and do not apply to Provincial Court.

Learn More:

• To access the Virtual Counter, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/virtual-counter
• For court forms and help with court steps, visit B.C. courthouse services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services
• To learn about the Supreme Court Civil and Family Rules Committee, which recommended the changes, and to view supporting materials: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/about-bcs-justice-system/sc-rules-committee