11 May BC Courts continue to expand operations

The following is general information only and in relation to family law matters.

While the BC Court of Appeal is the top operator among BC Courts because its hearings are conducted differently, the Provincial Court of British Columbia and Supreme Court of British Columbia are slowly opening their “electronic” doors via telephone and video hearings.

In conducting a case in either court, it is imperative to review the court’s websites to ensure you have the latest practice direction as the courts continue to change their practices quickly.

The Provincial Court of British Columbia issued new practice directions on 8th May 2020. There is the ongoing suspension of previously scheduled hearings to 16 May 2020. Urgent applications can still be brought, and the court will hold Family Case Conferences originally scheduled from 19 May 2020 to 03 July 2020. Trials scheduled during the same period, will go ahead as “Pre-Trial Conferences”, NOT as trials. For more information go to: https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19

The Supreme Court of British Columbia issued new practice directions in May 2020 regarding other non-family related matters and media access. A revised practice direction was issued on 24th April 2020 making minor adjustments to those applications that qualified for Telephone Conference Hearings (1 disputed issue, 1 hour and affidavit each no more than 10 pages). All the practice directions and notices may be found at: https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court/index.aspx

If you have a family law matter, whether just separated or otherwise, give us a call for a consultation by donation to the food bank – go to the contact us page on our website and submit your information.

Stay safe everyone!