What is a Family Case Conference in BC and how do I prepare for one?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
In BC Provincial Court, the first court date is called a family management conference rather than a family case conference. The Supreme Court uses a different name, a judicial case conference. Requirements can vary by type of registry, so check which applies to your case.
Before that date, you must complete a Parenting After Separation course unless you have an official exemption. You may be exempt if you finished the course within the last two years, if every child is 19 or older, or if all parties file a consent order. The course is free and online, and you receive a Certificate of Completion that is given to the court.
A financial statement in Form 4 is needed for spousal support and for child support where income information is required. If you are the respondent, a reply is due within 30 days after you are served, and a reply to a child or spousal support application also needs a Form 4 financial statement. If you file no reply, you are not entitled to receive notice of any part of the proceedings. A lawyer can help you prepare.
Key takeaways
- The Provincial Court Family Rules call the first appearance a family management conference.
- You must complete a Parenting After Separation course before your first court date unless you have an official exemption.
- A Form 4 financial statement is needed for spousal support and for child support where income information is required.
- A respondent who files no reply within 30 days is not entitled to receive notice of any part of the proceedings.