What Is the Parenting After Separation Course in British Columbia and Is It Mandatory?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
In Provincial Court, yes: in all locations a party must complete a Parenting After Separation (PAS) course before moving forward with an application, before the first court date unless exempt. A Certificate of Completion is the proof. If you skip it without an exemption, your Provincial Court application may be held up, so it is worth sorting out early. In Provincial Court, you apply for a parenting order on Form 3, Application about a family law matter (PFA712).
For the Provincial Court requirement, exemptions include a course completed within the past 2 years, all children being 19 or older, spousal support matters not involving children, a consent order being filed, no online access or no course in your language, literacy challenges or a serious medical condition. You request an exemption on Form 20, Notice of exemption from parenting education program (PFA740). In Supreme Court the course is not mandatory, although the judge may suggest it.
Versions exist for Indigenous families, and the standard course is offered in English, French and Punjabi. Details and the exemption list can change, so check the current requirements before your first court date and ask a lawyer if you are unsure.
Key takeaways
- In all Provincial Court locations you must complete a PAS course before moving forward with an application, before the first court date unless exempt.
- A Certificate of Completion is your proof, and the standard course is offered in English, French and Punjabi.
- Exemptions include a course completed within the past 2 years or all children being 19 or older, and you request one on Form 20 (PFA740).
- In Supreme Court the course is not mandatory, though the judge may suggest it.