B.C.’s early resolution process is expanding to every Provincial Court family registry location in the Interior, including Salmon Arm and Revelstoke.
In a statement, Attorney General Niki Sharma said separations and divorces are stressful, even without costly, time-consuming court processes.
“Families navigating these difficult times need all the support they can get, which is why we introduced the early resolution process.”
Sharma added that with the latest expansion, more families in B.C. will be able to access this service when and where they need it.
The early resolution process is a free service that applies to family law matters such as parenting arrangements, contact, child and spousal support, and companion animals. The province said it is designed to reduce conflict, resolve disputes out of court, and develop plans in the best interests of children.
The service began as a pilot project in Victoria in 2019 and was gradually expanded to select Provincial Court family registries in the Lower Mainland. With this expansion, the process is now available in all remaining Provincial Court family registry locations, including Revelstoke and Salmon Arm.
“Everyone should have access to affordable options when navigating family law disputes,” said Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “Expanding the early resolution process helps resolve disputes involving parenting arrangements and child support, as well as screening for family violence to identify and help address risks early on.”
According to the province, of people who identified safety or family violence concerns and who participated in consensual dispute resolution, 72 per cent said their concerns were addressed.
The province said the expansion is part of the government’s work to help families prepare for next steps in their legal journey and ensure timely access to justice for people in B.C.
To learn more about the Early Resolution Process, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/EarlyResolution
