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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

Provincial Court Family Rules (PCFR) Explained provides a section by section explanation of the Provincial Court Family Rules, including Early Resolution Registries.

Provincial family forms are available at your nearest BC court registry. Fillable provincial family forms (PDFs) are also available and on the Provincial Family Forms page.

You can also complete and file most family forms online using the Family Law Act Online Forms Service. The free service includes guided pathways that ask you questions and put your answers into the required court forms. When you’re finished, you can save and file your forms electronically or print them to file in person.