B.C. govt. expands resolution process for family law matters to Chilliwack, Abbotsford
CHILLIWACK — The provincial government says families in the Fraser Valley will be able to resolve family law matters faster and save money due to the expansion of the early resolution process.
According to a statement Thursday, the early resolution process became available in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and New Westminster starting this past Tuesday, April 1. Existing sites have already been established in Victoria, Surrey and Port Coquitlam. By November 2025, the process will expand to North Vancouver, Pemberton, Richmond, Sechelt and Vancouver (Robson Square).
The province says the process is a free service that applies to family law matters, such as parenting arrangements, contact, child support and spousal support, and companion animals. It is designed to reduce conflict and build skills to prevent future conflict through services that are customized to a family’s needs.
“It provides early preparation for families, many of which are without legal representation, through 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,” the government said.
