Families in the Kootenays will have faster access to free family law support as the province expands its early resolution process to more communities across the region.
The program, now available in centres including Nelson, Nakusp, Rossland, Trail, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Golden, Grand Forks and Invermere, is designed to help families resolve disputes without going to court.
New Democrat MLAs Steve Morissette and Brittny Anderson said the expansion will improve access to justice in a region where court services can be difficult to reach.
“Navigating separation and divorce can be stressful and time-consuming,” said Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “With the expansion of the early resolution process, families in the Kootenays can expect more certainty and support while dealing with the family legal system.”
The early resolution process is a free service that helps families address issues such as parenting arrangements, contact, child and spousal support and companion animals. It aims to reduce conflict and encourage agreements outside of court, while focusing on the best interests of children.
Participants must first meet with a provincial family justice counsellor for a needs assessment and may be referred to parenting education or consensual dispute resolution. The process also includes screening for family violence to ensure cases are handled safely and appropriately.
“Family legal proceedings can be stressful, and costly especially in rural areas where courthouses are not always close to home,” said Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central. “As registries open up across B.C. with the expansion of the early resolution process, more families will have the opportunity to access timely support.”
Provincial data suggests the program has reduced pressure on courts in other parts of British Columbia. In Surrey, more than half of participating families resolved their issues without going to court, while new cases declined significantly. Evaluations in Victoria found most disputes that went through consensual resolution were completed within about two months.
Attorney General Niki Sharma said the broader expansion across British Columbia will help more families avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings.
“Separations and divorces are stressful enough situations without adding costly, time-consuming court processes to the mix,” Sharma said. “Families navigating these difficult times need all the support they can get.”
The expansion is part of the province’s effort to improve access to justice, particularly in rural and smaller communities.
