A new process will encourage people involved in B.C. Supreme Court family and civil matters to resolve disputes earlier, without going to court starting October 1,  the new process will apply to matters such as parenting arrangements, child support, property dispute or money owed. The changes are expected to reduce unnecessary hearings and adjournments, improving access to justice and freeing court time for matters that require a judicial decision.

People involved in civil and family matters in B.C. Supreme Court will have more opportunities to resolve disputes earlier without going to court through a new application process coming into effect this fall.

Starting Oct. 1, the person bringing an application will share their materials with the other side, who will have time to respond, before a hearing date is booked.

"When people are dealing with a family or civil dispute, they want a process that is fair, clear and helps resolve issues as early as possible," said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. "These changes encourage people to exchange information sooner, giving them a better opportunity to understand each other's position, narrow the issues and, where possible, reach a resolution without a court hearing. That means less delay, less stress and more court time available for matters that require a judicial decision."

Chambers applications are among the most common applications in a civil or family case. They are used when someone asks the court to decide an issue before a trial, often on a temporary basis, such as parenting arrangements, child support, property disputes or money owed.

Under the current process, parties file documents with the court before sharing them with the other side. Beginning October  1, that order will change.

Under the new "serve, then file" process the person applying will share their application materials with the other side, the other side will have time to review and respond,  if the matter is not resolved through that exchange, a hearing date will be scheduled and materials will then be filed with the court according to established timelines. 

These changes were recommended by the Supreme Court Civil and Family Rules Committee based on feedback from people who use the courts. The committee advises the attorney general on issues affecting access to justice that might be addressed through the court rules.

Supporting materials are available to help people representing themselves and lawyers understand the new process and prepare before the changes take effect.