What if I need to get a court order right away for something like a Protection Order?
Last updated on February 7, 2025In 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.
The Provincial Court Family Rules include processes for seeking protection orders or orders for priority parenting matters on a time sensitive basis. These issues will not use the early resolution process.
A judge will hear those matters first. If there are outstanding family law matters, families will be referred to the early resolution process to address those issues.
In addition to protection orders and priority parenting matters, the other applications that do not require early assessment, parenting education or consensual dispute resolution are:
- Relocation
- Consent order
- Enforcement
- Case management
The Port Coquitlam Family Justice Centre, the Surrey Justice Access Centre or the Victoria Justice Access Centre can help a person identify their needs, get referrals to community resources and get help with the paperwork to file an application for a court order.