Duty counsel lawyers for family law matters

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Family duty counsel services are provided primarily in person, with phone-only services available at specific locations. For contact information and hours, please see FDC locations listings at the bottom of the page.

If you have a family law or child protection issue, you may qualify for help from family duty counsel (FDC) or a family advice lawyer, even if you do not qualify for a legal aid lawyer.

These services are intended to assist people with lower incomes who are representing themselves in court. There is a maximum amount of time that these lawyers can spend assisting you.

FDC are lawyers who can provide advice about:

  • parenting time or contact,
  • guardianship / parenting time,
  • child support,
  • spousal support,
  • property (limited advice),
  • tentative settlement agreements,
  • child protection, and
  • court procedures.

In some communities, both Provincial and Supreme Court FDC are available. If you’re in Provincial Court, you may want to check out the schedule of Supreme Court FDC in your community as they can also give advice to Provincial Court clients. (See FDC locations below.)

Family Duty Counsel brochure

An overview of family duty counsel and how to find services.

View resource →

Provincial Court FDC

Provincial Court FDC attend the Provincial Courthouses on list days, sometimes called first appearance or remand days. Priority is given to financially eligible people who are in court that day, either on the court list or to make emergency court applications.

Once court ends, FDC may have time to provide advice to people who aren’t appearing in court that day. FDC are available on a drop-in basis.

Provincial Court FDC can help you with family law matters, including child protection issues (if the Ministry of Children and Family Development becomes involved with your family). FDC can:

  • give you advice, or
  • speak on your behalf in court on simple matters.

However, FDC will not:

  • take on your whole case, or
  • represent you at a trial.

FDC may be able to help you even if you’re not financially eligible. See Do I qualify for free family legal advice?

Provincial Court FDC can also attend a case conference in Provincial Court. If a case conference is scheduled in your matter, you can ask either the Provincial Court FDC who helped you or your local intake office for a case conference referral to be made.

To find your nearest location, see FDC locations below. Before you see Provincial Court FDC

Expanded FDC and family advice lawyers

In some locations, FDC are able to make appointments and give advice to clients who aren’t on the court list. This type of service is available to people who are in Provincial Court or Supreme Court, or working out an agreement.

Expanded FDC is in the following locations:

  • Kelowna,
  • Nanaimo,
  • New Westminster,
  • Port Coquitlam,
  • Prince George,
  • Surrey,
  • Vancouver, and
  • Victoria.

In all locations, appointments are strongly encouraged; although, drop-in service is available for urgent matters.

Supreme Court FDC

If you’re a person with a low income going through a separation or divorce, you may be eligible for up to three hours of free legal advice from Supreme Court FDC.

Supreme Court FDC can assist you in Chambers if the matter is simple, unopposed, or by consent.

FDC may be able to help you even if you are not financially eligible. See Do I qualify for free family legal advice?

Supreme Court FDC can also attend a case conference. If a case conference is scheduled in your matter, you can ask either the Supreme Court FDC who helped you or your local intake office for a case conference referral to be made.

Supreme Court FDC is provided on a drop-in basis at all Supreme Court locations, except where Expanded FDC is located (see above).

To find your nearest Supreme Court FDC location, see below. Before you see Supreme Court FDC

FDC locations

FDC services are available in the court locations listed below in alphabetical order. Click the community nearest you to find the address, phone number, and hours. Or call the legal aid location nearest you and ask when duty counsel will be at your local court.

If your community is not on the list, call your local court registry to see if they have started family duty counsel services. To find your local court registry, see the Provincial Court of BC website.

100 Mile House

  • 100 Mile House Provincial Court 

    170 Cedar Avenue 

    100 Mile House BC V0K 1G0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri — 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed — 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Abbotsford

  • Abbotsford Court
    Provincial Court

    32375 Veterans Way 

    Abbotsford BC V2T 0B3

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services available Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 604-755-0876.

    604-755-0876
    Open in Google Maps

  • Abbotsford Court
    Supreme Court

    32375 Veterans Way 

    Abbotsford BC V2T 0B3

    Hours / Notes

    Mon to Fri: 9 am to 4 pm, call 604-755-0876

    604-755-0876
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Bella Bella

  • Bella Bella (circuit)

    Bella Bella BC 

    Hours / Notes

    Contact the Legal Aid BC Call Centre at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri — 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed — 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Burns Lake

  • Burns Lake Provincial Court 

    508 Yellowhead Highway 

    Burns Lake BC V0J 1E0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person or remote services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri — 9 am to 3 pm; Wed — 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Campbell River

  • Campbell River Provincial Court 

    500 13th Avenue 

    Campbell River BC V9W 4G7

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri — 9 am to 3 pm; Wed — 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Chilliwack

  • Chilliwack Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    46085 Yale Road 

    Chilliwack BC V2P 2L8

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services Mon and Wed. For hours, call 604-755-0876.

    604-755-0876
    Chilliwack Law Courts building
    Open in Google Maps

  • Chilliwack Law Courts 
    Supreme Court

    46085 Yale Road 

    Chilliwack BC V2P 2L8

    Hours / Notes

    Call 604-755-0876

    604-755-0876
    Chilliwack Law Courts building
    Open in Google Maps

Colwood

  • Western Communities Court (Colwood)

    1756 Island Highway 

    Colwood BC V9B 1H8

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For hours, call the Victoria Family Duty Counsel office at 250-984-6965.

    Open in Google Maps

Courtenay

  • Courtenay Provincial Court 

    420 Cumberland Road 

    Courtenay BC V9N 2C4

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Cranbrook

  • Cranbrook Provincial Court 

    102 11th Avenue S. 

    Cranbrook BC V1C 2P3

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Creston

  • Creston Provincial Court 

    224 10th Avenue N. 

    Creston BC V0B 1G0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Dawson Creek

  • Dawson Creek Provincial Court 
    Dawson Creek

    1201 103 Avenue 

    Dawson Creek BC V1G 4J2

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Duncan

  • Duncan Court
    Provincial Court

    238 Government Street 

    Duncan BC V9L 1A5

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand on Wed.
    In-person advice services: Mon and Fri, 9 am to 1 pm.
    For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.

    Open in Google Maps

  • Duncan Court
    Supreme Court

    238 Government Street 

    Duncan BC V9L 1A5

    Hours / Notes

    Call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Fernie

  • Fernie Provincial Court 

    401 4th Avenue 

    Fernie BC V0B 1M0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Fort Nelson

  • Fort Nelson (Family services) 

    5431 Airport Drive 

    Fort Nelson BC V0C 1R0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Fort St. James

  • Fort St. James Provincial Court 

    2537 Stones Bay Road 

    Fort St. James BC V0J 1P0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Fort St. John

  • Fort St. John Provincial Court 

    10600 100 Street 

    Fort St. John BC V1J 3X5

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Golden

Hazelton

  • Hazelton

    2210 Highway 62 

    Hazelton BC V0J 1Y0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Invermere

  • Invermere Provincial Court 

    645 7th Avenue 

    Invermere BC V0A 1K0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525 (Pacific Time).
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Kamloops

  • Kamloops
    Supreme Court

    455 Columbia Street 

    Kamloops BC V2C 6K4

    Hours / Notes

    Mon, Tue, and Wed: 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4pm - call 250-434-0669

    Thu & Fri (urgent matters only): 9 am to 3 pm - call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525

    250-434-0669
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  • Kamloops
    Provincial Court

    455 Columbia Street 

    Kamloops BC V2C 6K4

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services: Mon, Tue, and Wed; call 250-434-0669, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm.
    For urgent matters on Thu and Fri, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.

    250-434-0669
    Open in Google Maps

Kelowna

  • Kelowna
    Provincial Court

    1355 Water Street 

    Kelowna BC V1Y 9R3

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm; call 250-448-4289.

    250-448-4289
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  • Kelowna
    Supreme Court

    1355 Water Street 

    Kelowna BC V1Y 9R3

    Hours / Notes

    Mon to Fri: 9 am to 4 pm, call 250-448-4289

    250-448-4289
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Lillooet

  • Lillooet Provincial Court 

    615 Main Street 

    Lillooet BC V0K 1V0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Masset

Merritt

  • Merritt Provincial Court 

    3420 Voght Street 

    Merritt BC V1K 1C7

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Nanaimo

  • Nanaimo Justice Access Centre 

    Nanaimo BC

    Hours / Notes

    Call for hours

    250-244-4221
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  • Nanaimo Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    35 Front Street 

    Nanaimo BC V9R 5J1

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services Mon to Fri; for hours, call 250-244-4221.

    250-244-4221
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Nelson

  • Nelson Provincial Court 

    320 Ward Street 

    Nelson BC V1L 1S6

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

New Westminster

  • New Westminster Law Courts 
    Provincial Court - Begbie Square

    651 Carnarvon Street 

    New Westminster BC V3M 1C9

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services available Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm; call 604-601-6052.

    604-601-6052
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  • New Westminster Law Courts 
    Supreme Court - Begbie Square

    651 Carnarvon Street 

    New Westminster BC V3M 1C9

    Hours / Notes

    Call the Family Duty Counsel office at 604-601-6052.

    604-601-6052
    Open in Google Maps

North Vancouver

  • North Vancouver Provincial Court 

    200 23rd Street E 

    North Vancouver BC V7L 4R4

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services every Tuesday. For hours, call the Vancouver Family Duty Counsel office at 604-601-6086.

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Penticton

  • Penticton Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    100 Main Street 

    Penticton BC V2A 5A5

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand on Tuesdays.
    In-person services may be available on Thursdays. For hours, call the Penticton legal aid office at 250-493-7164.
    For urgent matters on other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.

    Open in Google Maps

  • Penticton Law Courts 
    Supreme Court

    Penticton BC

    Hours / Notes

    Call the Penticton legal aid office at 250-493-7164

    For urgent matters, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Port Alberni

  • Port Alberni Law Courts 
    Port Alberni Provincial Court

    2999 4th Avenue 

    Port Alberni BC V9Y 8A5

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days.
    In-person advice services every other Tuesday. For hours, call the Nanaimo Justice Access Centre at 250-741-5447.
    For urgent matters on other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.

    Open in Google Maps

  • Port Alberni Law Courts 
    Port Alberni Supreme Court

    2999 4th Avenue 

    Port Alberni BC V9Y 8A5

    Hours / Notes

    Call the Nanaimo Justice Access Centre at 250-741-5447

    250-741-5447
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Port Coquitlam

  • Port Coquitlam Law Courts 

    2620 Mary Hill Road 

    Port Coquitlam BC V3C 3B2

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services available Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 604-601-6052.

    Open in Google Maps

Port Hardy

  • Port Hardy Provincial Court 

    9300 Trustee Road 

    Port Hardy BC V0N 2P0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Powell River

  • Powell River Provincial Court 

    6953 Alberni Street 

    Powell River BC V8A 2B8

    Hours / Notes

    Remote services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Prince George

  • Prince George Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    250 George Street 

    Prince George BC V2L 5S2

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services services available. Call 250-277-4065.
    Mon & Wed: 9 am to 12 pm
    Tue, Thu, Fri: 9 am to 4 pm

    250-277-4065
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  • Prince George Law Courts 
    Supreme Court

    250 George Street 

    Prince George BC V2L 5S2

    Hours / Notes

    Mon & Wed: 9 am to 12 pm
    Tue, Thu, Fri: 9 am to 4 pm
    Call 250-277-4065

    250-277-4065
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Prince Rupert

  • Prince Rupert Provincial Court 

    100 Market Place 

    Prince Rupert BC V8J 1B8

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services (with remote back-up) for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

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Quesnel

  • Quesnel Provincial Court 

    350 Barlow Avenue 

    Quesnel BC V2J 2C2

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

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Revelstoke

  • Revelstoke Provincial Court 

    1123 2nd Street W 

    Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

    Open in Google Maps

Richmond

  • Richmond Provincial Court 

    7577 Elmbridge Way 

    Richmond BC V6X 1B8

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For hours, call the Vancouver Family Duty Counsel office at 604-601-6086, Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm.

    Open in Google Maps

Rossland

  • Rossland Provincial Court 

    2288 Columbia Avenue 

    Rossland BC V0G 1Y0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm (Pacific Time)

    Open in Google Maps

Salmon Arm

  • Salmon Arm Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    550 2nd Avenue NE 

    Salmon Arm BC V1E 1H1

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services every Wednesday. For hours, call 250-545-3666, Mon to Fri, 9 am to 2 pm.

    250-545-3666
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  • Salmon Arm Law Courts 
    Supreme Court

    550 2nd Avenue 

    Salmon Arm BC V1E 1H1

    Hours / Notes

    Mon to Fri: 9 am to 2 pm, call 250-545-3666

    250-545-3666
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Sechelt

  • Sechelt Provincial Court 

    5480 Shorncliffe Avenue 

    Sechelt BC V0N 3A0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. Other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri — 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed — 9 am to 2:30 pm

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Smithers

  • Smithers Provincial Court 

    3793 Alfred Avenue 

    Smithers BC V0J 2N0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services and remote back-up on remand days. Other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525 from 9 am to 3 pm.

    Open in Google Maps

Sparwood

  • Sparwood

    132 Spruce

    Sparwood BC V0B 2G0

    Hours / Notes

    Call the Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    (Pacific Time) Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm; Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm
    Family remand days held in Fernie.

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Surrey

  • Surrey Provincial Court 

    14340 57 Avenue 

    Surrey BC V3X 3P1

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services available Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 604-595-4379.

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Terrace

  • Terrace Provincial Court 

    3408 Kalum Street 

    Terrace BC V8G 2N6

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525.
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

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Vancouver

  • Vancouver Law Courts - Robson Square 
    Provincial Court

    800 Hornby Street 

    Vancouver BC V6Z 2E1

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services available Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 604-601-6086.

    604-601-6086
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  • Vancouver Law Courts - Robson Square 
    Supreme Court FDC services

    800 Hornby Street 

    Vancouver BC V6Z 2E1

    Hours / Notes

    Call the Family Duty Counsel office at 604-601-6086
    Mon to Fri: 9 am to 4 pm

    604-601-6086
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Vanderhoof

  • Vanderhoof Provincial Court 

    2440 Bute Street 

    Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services for family remand days. For hours, call the Vanderhoof legal aid office at 250-567-2800.

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Vernon

  • Vernon Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    3001 27th Street 

    Vernon BC V1T 4W5

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services, Mon to Fri. For hours, call 250-545-3666 from 9 am to 2 pm.

    250-545-3666
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  • Vernon Law Courts 
    Supreme Court

    3001 27th Street 

    Vernon BC V1T 4W5

    Hours / Notes

    Mon to Fri: 9 am to 2 pm, call 250-545-3666

    250-545-3666
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Victoria

  • Victoria Law Courts 
    Provincial Court

    850 Burdett Avenue 

    Victoria BC V8W 9J2

    Hours / Notes

    In-person services available Mon. to Fri. For hours, call 250-984-6965

    250-984-6965
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  • Victoria Law Courts 
    Supreme Court

    850 Burdett Avenue 

    Victoria BC V8W 9J2

    Hours / Notes

    Call the Family Duty Counsel office at 250-984-6965

    250-984-6965
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Williams Lake

  • Williams Lake Provincial Courthouse 

    540 Borland Street 

    Williams Lake BC V2G 1R8

    Hours / Notes

    In person FDC for family remand days. On other days, call Family LawLINE at 604-408-2172 or 1-866-577-2525
    Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri: 9 am to 3 pm
    Wed: 9 am to 2:30 pm

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