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Who will use the Early Resolution Process

Last updated on February 7, 2025

In May 2021, the Provincial Court Family Rules introduced Early Resolution Registries, which applies to issues under the Family Law Act in certain locations. In these registries, there are early resolution requirements for family law matters in Provincial Court. Port Coquitlam, Surrey and Victoria are the only court locations using early resolution (designated as Early Resolution Registries). There are several more registries that will be designated as Early Resolution Registries in 2025:

  • April 1, 2025: Abbotsford, Chilliwack and New Westminster
  • November 1, 2025: Vancouver (Robson Square), North Vancouver, Richmond, Sechelt, and Pemberton

Other locations may be designated in the future.

How do I know if I should use the Port Coquitlam, Surrey or Victoria registry of the Provincial Court?

Cases already filed with the Provincial Court will continue there, unless a party applies to have the file moved to a different registry. As of November 1, 2024 for Port Coquitlam, December 7, 2020, for Surrey or May 13, 2019 for Victoria, where there are children involved, file in Port Coquitlam, Surrey or Victoria if it is the closest registry to where the children live most of the time. If there are no children involved, the person starting the process files in the registry closest to where they live.

Does the Early Resolution and Case Management Process include Ministry of Children and Family Development child protection matters?

The Early Resolution and Case Management process Process is only for family matters under the Family Law Act in Provincial Court. The process does not apply to matters under the Children, Family and Community Services Act or the Adoption Act.

The Early Resolution process is not for:

  • Child protection matters
  • Matters brought to Provincial Court by the Ministry of Children and Family Development or an Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencya Delegated Aboriginal Agency

There is a process called an Application About a Priority Parenting Matter, which proceeds outside of the Early Resolution Process, for cases where a child has been removed or is at risk of removal under the Children, Family and Community Services Act, and the Director under the Children, Family and Community Services Act has advised that an order under the Family Law Act will address the issue.

If you are involved in a child protection matter and interested in mediation, there is a separate Child Protection Mediation program that may be available to you. 

Legal Aid BC's Parents Legal Centre helps parents work together to settle their child protection matters early on. It offers services at any stage of the child protection case, from first contact with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or a delegated Aboriginal agency, until it's obvious the matter can't be settled out of court in a cooperative way.