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Which court should I go to?

Last updated on March 6, 2024

Figuring out which court to go to is an important first step.

In British Columbia, the Supreme Court and the Provincial Court handle some of the same types of cases.

In many cases, you can go to either court. In other cases, you don’t have a choice.

Supreme Court

Only the Supreme Court can handle divorce or property division issues, unless the property is a companion animal. Property division respecting a companion animal can be handled by either the Supreme Court or Provincial Court. If a married couple goes to the Supreme Court for divorce, they will usually ask a judge to settle other issues as well. These issues may include parenting arrangements and support. The Supreme Court can handle all family law issues.

The Supreme Court is more difficult to navigate than the Provincial Court, and a lawyer who understands the process is usually needed.

Provincial Court

The Provincial Court can only handle certain matters ,such as: 

The Provincial Court cannot deal with other property or debt division, except in certain circumstances.

Provincial Court is usually less complex and less costly than Supreme Court.

More information

Legal Aid BC's Family Law in BC website has information about going to court.

Check out these resources from Legal Aid BC:

Visit a Justice Access Centre:

Talk with a family justice counsellor at a Family Justice Centre.

British Columbia has a central authority that assists left-behind parents whose children have been abducted across international borders.