What Free Services Do Family Justice Centres Offer in BC?

Separation raises many questions at once: where the children will live, who pays what, and what happens to the home and the pets. Paying for a lawyer at every step is not realistic for many people, so it helps to know what public help exists first.

In British Columbia, Family Justice Centres are one place to start. This article explains what they offer, how to reach one, and where the limits are, so you know what to expect before you call.

This article covers the law of British Columbia.

What issues a Family Justice Centre can help with

Family Justice Centres offer free services to parents and other family members dealing with separation or divorce. The help covers these common issues.

• Parenting arrangements.
• Guardianship.
• Child support and spousal support.
• Contact with a child.
• Property division for a companion animal.

Other services you can use

Beyond those issues, a centre offers practical supports that help you understand your situation and find a next step.

• A needs assessment, plus legal information and referrals for advice.
• Referrals to community agencies.
• Safety referrals to VictimLinkBC or police.
• Referral to the BC Family Maintenance Agency if child support is not being received.
• A free Parenting After Separation course.
• Information on Provincial Court processes.
• The Online Divorce Assistant for joint uncontested divorces.

Family Justice Counsellors are accredited mediators who provide mediation. Child support disputes can use facilitated negotiation with a child support officer. Under Family Law Act s. 10(2), family justice counsellors can provide information about a family law dispute, family dispute resolution on guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact with a child and child and spousal support, and referrals.

Mediation at a Justice Access Centre is a neutral, informal setting where a trained mediator helps you discuss issues without giving legal advice. You may be referred to a private mediator if a counsellor is not trained to mediate your problem, or to child protection mediation or notice to mediate.

How to reach a centre

You can contact a Family Justice Centre Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, by calling toll-free 1-844-747-3963. Services are also available by telephone and video conference for families separated by distance.

Limits to know about

The services are useful, but they do not fit every situation. Keep these points in mind.

• Some referred services are based on financial need, so you may be asked about your income.
• Lawyer advice at a Family Justice Centre depends on your situation, and staff otherwise refer you elsewhere.
• The Online Divorce Assistant only works where both spouses agree on all issues.
• If mediation is not suitable, staff help with next steps or referrals.
• Early Resolution Registries in the Vancouver Coastal, Vancouver Fraser, Vancouver Island and Interior regions require specific steps before a Provincial Court family case proceeds.

Justice Access Centres are a related option, as they also offer free family justice services.

If family violence is part of your situation

Family violence changes what help makes sense. Family dispute resolution professionals must assess, in accordance with the regulations, whether family violence may be present, and if so consider how it may affect a party's safety and ability to negotiate a fair agreement. If you feel unsafe, tell staff early.

Family Law Centres are law clinics funded by the Province and delivered by Legal Aid BC. They give free, trauma-informed legal help to family violence survivors who cannot afford a lawyer. To be eligible, you must be experiencing family violence and have at least one additional eligible legal issue. Parenting arrangements were added as an eligible issue as of June 22, 2026. The centres prioritize survivors who have fled an abusive partner within the past six months, but that is a priority, not a general waiver.

• In-person offices are in Surrey and Victoria.
• Kamloops and Prince George offices were expected to open late summer 2026, so confirm whether they are open.
• Virtual services are offered in Surrey, Abbotsford, New Westminster, Victoria, Colwood, Duncan, Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Vanderhoof and Mackenzie.

A court may make a protection order under Family Law Act s. 183 on application by a family member claiming to be at risk, or by a person on that member's behalf, or on its own initiative. The test is that family violence is likely to occur and the other person is an at-risk family member. Unless the court orders otherwise, a protection order expires one year after the date it is made. Whether income limits apply to your situation depends on the facts, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer.

What to do next

• Write down your main questions, such as parenting, support or a divorce.
• Gather basic information about your family, your children and your finances, in case you are asked about income.
• Call the toll-free number during opening hours, or ask about phone or video if you live far away.
• If you feel unsafe, ask about safety referrals right away.
• If your case is likely to go to Provincial Court, ask whether Early Resolution Registry steps apply in your region.
• Speak with a lawyer if you need advice on your own situation.

Frequently asked questions