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Justice Access Centres

Last updated on September 5, 2024

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Justice Access Centre topics

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:

  • Surrey
  • Victoria

Family Justice Registries are located in:

  • Kelowna
  • Nanaimo
  • Vancouver (Robson Square)

The Kelowna Family Justice Registry is served by the Kelowna Family Justice Centre. Families who want to resolve a family law matter in Kelowna go there for services to meet the requirements.

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:

Locations

See Justice Access Centre locations for more information.

Family justice links

Help and resources

Child support information

Online Divorce Assistant

Joint divorce means making an application for a divorce together with your spouse.  It means that you and your spouse agree about getting a divorce and that you agree about all of the family law issues relevant to your situation, such as spousal support, and the division of family property and debts.

Apply for a joint divorce

International child abduction

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.