What if I have recently worked with a private mediator or was part of a collaborative family law process, or would prefer to do so?
Last updated on November 5, 2025The 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 family law matters in Provincial Court.
Abbotsford, Chilliwack, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pemberton, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Sechelt, Vancouver (Robson Square) and Victoria are the only court locations using early resolution (designated as Early Resolution Registries).
Other locations may be designated in the future.
One of the requirements of the early resolution process is to take part in at least one consensual dispute resolution session, if it is appropriate to do so. A Family Justice Counsellor or a Child Support Officer (if you only need to address child or spousal support issues) can provide services free of charge.
Or you may decide to hire a private family mediator (who meets the requirements of being a family dispute resolution professional under s. 4 of the Family Law Act Regulation) or participate in a private collaborative law process under a collaborative participation agreement.
If you have recently met with a private mediator or have been part of a collaborative family law practice, confirmation from that professional is required. To qualify, service must have been within the past year.
Your mediator or collaborative family law professional can complete the Confirmation of Conclusion of CDR with a Private CDR Professional form and send it directly to Family Justice Services Division.
For more information, private mediators and collaborative family law professionals can:
- Read the Information for Private Consensual Dispute Resolution Practitioners (PDF, 307KB)
- Contact the Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre office closest to your Early Resolution Registry
A list of offices providing early resolution process services is available on the Locations page.