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I need an interpreter for my court hearing. What should I do?

Last updated on December 17, 2024

If you have to go to the Provincial Court as part of your family matter and you need help with the English language or you communicate only in sign language, the court will provide you with an interpreter. If in Supreme Court, a sign language interpreter will be provided; however, a spoken language interpreter will be provided only if court ordered. If your Supreme Court family matter is a Divorce Act proceeding, upon request, the court will provide an interpreter for either official language (English/French).

The interpreter will be with you throughout any court hearings to interpret for you.

Ask the interpreter clerk at your local court registry to arrange for an interpreter at the same time as you file your application for a court order.

Let court staff know as soon as possible that you need an interpreter. If court staff cannot arrange an interpreter in time, the judge may have to re-schedule your case.

Check out these resources from Legal Aid BC:

Visit a Justice Access Centre:

Talk with a family justice counsellor at a Family Justice Centre.

British Columbia has a central authority that assists left-behind parents whose children have been abducted across international borders. For more information, including contact information, please see International Child Abduction.