Separations can be a stressful enough process, even without having to drag it through courts and costly lawyer fees.
But B.C. is boosting efforts to keep more family matters out of the courts by expanding the Early Resolution Process (ERP). Every provincial court family registration location in the Interior, Vancouver, Fraser and Vancouver Island, is getting the free services that supports families is resolving family-law matters out of court.
“Family separation can be one of the most difficult experiences people face, and it’s important that supports are accessible close to home,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “Expanding the Early Resolution Process to more communities across B.C., including in Vernon, will help families in the Interior find practical, timely solutions without the added stress of navigating the court system alone.”
The ERP helps families to resolve challenges such as parenting arrangements, contact, child support and spousal support, and companion animals. It is designed to reduce conflict, resolve disputes out of court, and develop plans that are in the best interests of children, which also frees up local court resources for other matters.
This program has already been successful in other communities in B.C., and is now being expanded to 35 more locations.
Services provided through the ERP include screening for family violence, identification of legal and non-legal needs, referrals to community organizations, assistance resolving disputes out of court through consensual dispute resolution, and support preparing for next steps, including court processes.
This expansion is part of government’s work to ensure timely access to justice for more people in the province.