What if I need to get a court order right away for something like a Protection Order?
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.
The Provincial Court Family Rules include processes for seeking protection orders or orders for priority parenting matters on a time sensitive basis. These issues will not use the early resolution process.
A judge will hear those matters first. If there are outstanding family law matters, families will be referred to the early resolution process to address those issues.
In addition to protection orders and priority parenting matters, the other applications that do not require early assessment, parenting education or consensual dispute resolution are:
- Relocation
- Consent order
- Enforcement
- Case management
Staff at any Family Justice Centre or Justice Access Centre can help a person identify their needs, get referrals to community resources and get help with the paperwork to file an application for a court order.