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What is the process most people will follow?

Last updated on May 1, 2026

The Early Resolution Process is a free service that applies to family law matters, such as parenting arrangements, contact with a child, child support, spousal support, and companion animals. It is designed to reduce conflict, resolve disputes out of court and develop plans in the best interests of children.

The Early Resolution Process applies to issues under the Family Law Act in certain Provincial Court registry locations. In these registries, there are Early Resolution Requirements for families who want to resolve a family law matter in Provincial Court. Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres in those locations provide services that meet those requirements.

All Provincial Court registries in the Vancouver Coastal, Vancouver Fraser, Vancouver Island, and Interior (including Okanagan and Kootenay) regions are designated Early Resolution Registries. Other locations may be designated in the future.

See the list of Early Resolution Registries, filing locations and Family Justice Services Division (FJSD) offices for more information about:

  • Which Provincial Court registries are Early Resolution Registries
  • Where to file documents with each registry
  • Where to go to get help with the Early Resolution Requirements

Most people will use the early resolution process for their family law matters. Generally, the process will include the following steps:

  • Start by contacting a Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre that provides Early Resolution Registry services (or call (1-844-747-6963) to get information about your options, the process and how to access legal advice and other resources.
  • File a form called the Notice to Resolve a Family Law Matter at an Early Resolution Registry.
  • Provide a copy of the Notice to Resolve to the other parties (by email, text, regular mail, in person or any other way it will get to them).
  • Contact the Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre closest to the Provincial Court Registry where the Notice to Resolve a Family Law Matter was filed to make an appointment for your individual needs assessment.
  • Complete an individual needs assessment with a Family Justice Counsellor at the Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre.
  • Complete a Parenting After Separation course unless you have completed it within the last two years or meet one of the few exemptions (the Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre staff can identify for you if an exemption applies).
  • Take part in at least one consensual dispute resolution session (including any required preparation for the session), if appropriate.
  • When issues are resolved, you can formalize your agreements by written agreement or consent order.
  • If there are still issues that need to be resolved, and you need the court’s help, file a form called Application about a Family Law Matter with all your supporting documents and have it served on the other party.
  • When the other party (or parties) has replied or the time for reply has passed, work with the Judicial Case Manager to schedule a Family Management Conference.
  • At the Family Management Conference, you and the other party (or parties) will meet with a judge.

The early resolution process supports earlier and more durable resolutions. This reduces conflict and builds skills that can help prevent future conflict. Most participants will benefit from the new process. Each step has been designed to support opportunities to resolve issues and help prepare the parties for next steps.

Learn more about each step in the process and the new forms.