Resources
When we think of resources, we often focus on information. There is certainly plenty of that available. A search for the word divorce at a popular on-line bookstore yields over 5,000 titles. Before we look at a few of these titles though, consider that resources include both information and support.
There is no need for you or your children to go through this alone. You and your children will find it helpful to talk to friends and family as you transition to your new family life. There are also many trained professionals and volunteers who can offer assistance to you and your children. No matter where you live, there are many non-profit or government funded organizations dedicated to helping people. To find out about services in your community, try contacting:
- your family doctor
- a women’s centre
- your BC Access Centre
- your community crisis line - Click here for a list of crisis lines in British Columbia.
- your children’s school counsellors
The BC Ministry of Attorney General offers Parenting after Separations sessions. Click here for a list of locations and contact information.
Finally, remember these help lines for children and teens:
BC Helpline for Children 310-1234 (no area code needed)
Canada Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
CourtTips.ca
This
website has 7 videos that help parents prepare for going to Supreme
Court about a child support order. Topics include presenting your case,
what to expect and common questions about the process.
FamilyLaw.LSS.bc.caThis website, produced by Legal Services Society, provides a broad range of information about family law. Topics include separation and divorce, child and spousal support, adoption and custody. There is also some information about non-family law topics, including family violence, income assistance and immigrant issues.
Family Justice Counsellors
Family
justice counsellors help you make important decisions when experiencing
separation or divorce. For example, you may need to decide who the
children will live with, when they will see each parent, and how much
child support will be paid.
Family justice counsellors are accredited mediators. That means they
are qualified to provide:
- emotional support and short-term counselling
- referrals to emergency and community services
- mediation services for custody, guardianship, access, spousal support or child support
- custody and access assessments when ordered by the court
- information for people about how to obtain or change child custody, guardianship, access and support orders or agreements in Court
- information about Child Support Guidelines and Parenting After Separation sessions
Family Justice Centres in BC
There are over 35 Family Justice Centres located throughout BC. This website provides contact information for all of them.
BC Courthouse Registry
There
are 45 courthouses in British Columbia. They let you file documents,
get court file information and will answer your questions about court
processes. This website features a list of the courthouses in British
Columbia.
Basics of Family Law
The
Family Justice section of BC’s Ministry of the Attorney General website
describes the decisions that have to be made when a couple separates or
divorces. These include, for couples with children, decisions about
where the children will live and how each parent can remain involved in
their children's lives, and, for all couples, decisions about who will
need to pay financial support and what will happen to any property the
couple owns together.
Do-it-Yourself Divorce
The
Divorce Act makes it possible for many married couples in Canada to
handle divorce proceedings themselves, without hiring lawyers to act on
their behalf. This brochure outlines the process and steps to obtain a
divorce in B.C. without legal representation.
Living Together or Living Apart
Family
law can be complicated, but with the right information and help, you
can resolve many issues on your own. This booklet explains in plain
language what your legal options are, where you can get help and the
basics of family law in BC. It includes information about:
- living common-law or being married;
- the process for separation and divorce;
- how to work out custody, support, and access issues if you have children; and
- how to sort out money matters.
Clicklaw
Couldn’t find the right resource? Search Clicklaw
Clicklaw is a website that features legal information and education from more than 24 public legal education contributors. The resources available through Clicklaw were designed to be used by the public and those helping the public access legal information. Clicklaw: Solve Problems. Find Help.
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