More topics

Justice Access Centres

Last updated on October 3, 2025

On this page

Justice Access Centre topics

Justice Access Centre locations

Justice Access Centre provide services:

  • In person
  • By phone
  • By videoconference

Justice Access Centres are located in:

  • Abbotsford
  • Nanaimo
  • Surrey
  • Vancouver
  • Victoria

Learn more and find the Justice Access Centre location nearest you:

The Prince George Family Justice Centre doesn't have all the resources of a Justice Access Centre. However, it does have a staffed Self-Help Resource Room. The Resource Room is located in the Prince George courthouse.

If you aren't close to any of these locations, you can still access virtual services. For more information, please call Family Justice Services Division toll-free at 1-844-747-3963.

What do Justice Access Centres help with?

Justice Access Centres are staffed by:

Staff can help you with issues such as:

Help is available in person, or by phone or video, so families can get service even if there isn't a Justice Access Centre nearby.

Staff can help:

  • Assess what you need
  • Provide information about your legal and related issues
  • Refer you to services and resources that are available for your situation

Available services and resources could include:

  • Self-help and information services
  • Dispute resolution and mediation options
  • Limited legal advice
  • Community resources and agencies

Court processes

Families can get help from Justice Access Centres even if they are not going to court. However, Justice Access Centres also help with the Provincial Court process.

At some Provincial Court locations, there are specific requirements for families who want to resolve a family law matter. The Justice Access Centres in those locations provide services that meet those requirements. There are two types of locations with specific requirements:

Early Resolution Registries are located in:

Family Justice Registries are located in:

Each registry designated as an Early Resolution Registry or a Family Justice Registry is served by a specific Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre.  Families who want to resolve a family law matter in those registries go to the related Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre for services to meet the requirements. See the list of locations for information about which registry each centre provides services for.

Accessibility

Justice Access Centres are accessible to wheelchairs. They are also family-friendly. In some situations, an interpreter may be available.

Safety concerns

If you are concerned for your safety, staff may refer you to:

What to expect

  • If you have a family law issue, you may speak with a Family Justice Counsellor or a Child Support Officer and learn about or participate in dispute resolution
  • You will be linked to community groups as needed
  • If you need legal advice or are interested in meeting with a lawyer, you will be provided service information
  • Staff may refer you to services that are based on financial need, and so may ask about your income
  • Justice Access Centres do not deal with criminal issues, or small claims court forms and filings

How much do services cost?

Justice Access Centre services are free.

Participating partners

Justice Access Centres are funded by the Ministry of Attorney General. Onsite services are provided by the Ministry of Attorney General and partner agencies.

Partner agencies vary depending on the centre. They can include, but are not limited to:

Access free family justice services in person or virtually at Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres.

  • Staff across B.C. can help you understand your options during separation or divorce. They can talk with you and assess your needs, and provide information about:
    • Parenting arrangements
    • Guardianship
    • Child and spousal support
    • Contact with a child
    • Property division respecting a companion animal 
  • To find the location nearest you, see the list of Family Justice Centre locations

Take a free Parenting After Separation course.

Find more family law information and legal help:

  • Visit Clicklaw for practical legal information and organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services in B.C.
  • Visit the Justice Education Society’s Family Law in BC website for information on Separation and Divorce and other family law issues
  • Contact the Lawyer Referral Service to consult a lawyer for up to 15 minutes for free
  • Visit Legal Aid BC which offers free legal help for B.C. residents

In a joint divorce, you and your spouse apply together for a simple, uncontested divorce. You both agree on all family law issues that affect your family and only need to apply for a divorce order.

Apply for a joint divorce

B.C. has a central authority that helps parents when someone takes their children to another country without permission. For details and contact information visit the International child abduction page.