1. Family Law Act in BC Workshop for Immigrants This information was prepared as a resource to presenters of family law community workshops for immigrants by the Immigrant Public Legal Education Information Consortium (IPC). Please note it is the responsibility of the presenter to ensure that all information is updated as required.

2. Workshop Outline Introduction - The Family Law Act in BC About Marriage and Living Together When a Relationship Ends About Family Violence Do You Have to Go to Court? Ending a Marriage Resources

3. Family Law in British Columbia Family law guides decisions after relationships end about: the care of children the division of family property and debt financial support

4. Family Law in British Columbia Family law provides ways to resolve disputes without going to court get protection from family violence The Family Law Act (FLA) came into effect March 18, 2013, replacing a law written about 30 years ago

5. About Marriage & Living Together Who is married? Getting married in Canada Living together Married and unmarried spouses

6. When a Relationship Ends Separating from your spouse Separating if you are new to Canada Sponsored spouses

7. Decisions You Have to Make When You Separate Your children come first Parental responsibilities Time with children Money to support your children Money to support you or your spouse Dividing property and debt

8. Do You Have to Go to Court? 1.Reasons to stay out of court 2.Ways to stay out of court Negotiation Mediation Family Justice Counsellor services Collaborative law Arbitration Parenting Coordination

9. About Family Violence Family violence and family law – Defines family violence – Includes spouses and family members Protection orders – Apply for yourself or someone else – Not obeying is a criminal offence

10. About Family Violence Family violence and criminal law – Call police – Peace Bonds

11. How the Courts Work Three levels of court 1.BC Provincial Court (Family court) 2.BC Supreme Court 3.BC Court of Appeal How to get your case started

12. Ending a Marriage - Divorce Three reasons you can divorce 1.Spouses have been separated for at least one year 2.One spouse has committed adultery 3.One spouse has been mentally or physically cruel to the other Start legal action in the Supreme Court of BC

13. Resources 1.Family Law in BC Website 2.Parenting After Separation