Here are a few ways to find a mediator:
Call our Provincial call centre to find out if you qualify for the services below.
604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver)
1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC)
You may be able to get legal advice from family lawyers called duty counsel. Family duty counsel lawyers are available only by phone at this time. Lawyers will not be at courthouses. For contact information, please see Duty counsel lawyers for family law matters on the Legal Aid BC website.
You may also be able to get free legal advice from a family lawyer over the phone. If you qualify you’ll get brief “next step” advice. To find out if you’re eligible, call the Legal Aid call centre during the hours below.
If family violence is an issue, you may be able to get a lawyer to take your case.
You may be able to get free legal advice or help preparing for court. These services are for people who don’t qualify for legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer.
604-878-7400 (Greater Vancouver)
1-877-762-6664 (elsewhere in BC)
See the Unbundled Legal Services website for a list of family lawyers in BC who can provide you with limited legal services at reasonable rates if you can’t afford to hire a lawyer for your whole case.
Child support officers help parents make agreements about child support or get child support orders. They provide free information and referrals and help with negotiations.
Greater Vancouver: 604-660-2421
Greater Victoria: 250-387-6121
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7867
Family justice counsellors help you plan a separation agreement and give free mediation and conciliation services. They can give you information about the law and about family court processes. They can also help you fill out court forms.
Greater Vancouver: 604-660-2421
Greater Victoria: 250-387-6121
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7867
Staff in these offices help you get the information you need to prepare for your family or civil case. They provide free advice, mediation and referrals, and help you fill out forms. Justice Access Centres are in Nanaimo, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria.
Nanaimo: 250-741-5447 or 1-800-578-8511
Surrey: 604-501-3100 or for Rule 5 appointments 604-501-8282
Vancouver: 604-660-2084 or 1-800-663-7867 (ask to be transferred to the number for Vancouver)
Victoria: 250-356-7012 or 1-800-663-7867 (ask to be transferred to the number for Victoria)
The Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer, including a collaborative family lawyer. They’ll give you the name and number of a lawyer who practises family law. You’ll have to phone the lawyer to make an appointment. You can meet with the lawyer for 30 minutes to explain your situation. This meeting is free.
Greater Vancouver: 604-687-3221
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-1919
Hours
8:30am – 5pm (Monday – Friday)
You can also email.
Parenting After Separation is a free, three-hour information session for BC parents going through a separation. The class explains the effects of separation on parents and their children. It gives you effective ways to communicate and solve problems in parenting situations. It also gives you the tools you need to help your children through the separation and to develop a healthy family dynamic.
The class is available for any parents in BC going through a separation. It’s available through Family Justice Centres across BC and can also be taken online.
Even if you don’t go to the course, you may find the Parenting After Separation handbook helpful. It has information on how to take care of yourself and your children during the separation or divorce process. And it has tips for parents on how they can work together to keep their children’s best interests in mind.
There are several Legal Aid publications about family law.
This set of postcards introduces you to family law in BC. Each card covers different legal aspects of separation.
This booklet explains the basics of family law in BC. It has more information on the legal aspects of separation and what your options are.
This booklet explains the law about the fair division of family property or debt when you separate. It tells you what to do if you think your agreement might be unfair.
This website has comprehensive information on family law in BC, including on separation and divorce. It has step-by-step guides to walk you through legal processes, including links to the forms you need.
This website has information for children and for parents. It tells you what to expect from the divorce or separation process. And it has information on how you can take care of yourself and your children.