Supreme Court — If you can't agree

How to get a non-final family order

Choosing your guide

These guides include:

  • information about the law that applies to getting a Supreme Court non-final family order,
  • step-by-step instructions about how to apply for a non-final family order,
  • links to blank forms you'll need, and
  • information about what happens when you get into court and how to represent yourself if you don't have a lawyer.

First, choose the correct guide using the links below. Then read the step-by-step instructions. Once you're familiar with the instructions, you can open the forms you need and fill them out.

Note: The person who applies for the order and starts the proceedings in court is called the claimant. The other party, who responds to such proceedings, is called the respondent.

Can refer to where and with whom a child lives, or where a child lives and the rights and responsibilities of a parent regarding the child in his or her care.
The responsibility for making major decisions for children about such things as what kind of education, health care, or religious training they will receive, and how to manage anything the children may own, such as property or money.
Generally means the time children spend with the parent they do not usually live with. However, access is not limited to the parent who does not have custody — any person can apply for access to a child (including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives).
Money paid by one party to the other party as financial support. Support can be paid for a former spouse or for any or all children.
A document that records the decision of a judge/master and is entered at the court registry after the judge/master makes his or her decision. If your case is in Supreme Court, see Supreme Court Rule 15-1 (1) to find out which form to use for your situation.
According to the BC Family Relations Act, the term "spouse" applies to the members of a same-sex or opposite-sex couple, married or in a common-law relationship. For the purpose of getting spousal support, if the parties are not married, they must have lived in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years and one party must apply for support within one year after they stop living together.
The term we use to describe a court order for one or more of custody, access, guardianship, support, division of property, annulment of a marriage, divorce, declarations of parentage, or adoption.
Under the old Supreme Court Rules, this was the term used for a party who initiates the action or court proceedings. In the new Rules, this person is the claimant.
Under the old Supreme Court Rules, this was the term used for a party who responds to the action or court proceedings. Under the new Rules, this person is called the respondent.
In a family law case, the applicant is the person who files a Notice of Application to apply for a non-final or change order.
In many court proceedings, a term used for a party who responds to the application.