The Family Law Act
Last updated on February 19, 2025The Family Law Act is B.C.’s primary private family law statute and impacts almost all areas of family justice in the province.
When families decide not to live together anymore, the Family Law Act:
- Puts the safety and best interests of the child first
- Encourages families to resolve their disputes out-of-court
- Clarifies parental responsibilities and the division of assets when couples separate and divorce
- Addresses family violence
- Provides a framework to determine legal parentage
Resources
The following pages explain the Family Law Act in more detail:
- Family Law Act provides an overview of the Act.
- Family Law Act Explained:
- Details the Family Law Act section by section
- Describes the intent of each section
- Notes where a section replaces, changes or carries-over a section of the Family Relations Act
- Provides answers to common questions about the Family Law Act and Family Law Act Regulations
Legal Aid BC's Family Law in BC Quick Reference Tool also provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Family Law Act. This includes information about what happens if you were separating or separated before the Act took effect.