As of November 1, 2025, the Early Resolution Process (ERP) has been expanded to Provincial Court registries in North Vancouver, Pemberton, Richmond, Sechelt, and Vancouver (Robson Square). Family duty counsel (FDC) services are still available in those registries at the same dates and times. For ERP clients that need assistance on other days, Vancouver (Robson Square) will act as a hub to provide expanded FDC services remotely.
In November 2024, Legal Aid BC expanded FDC services in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, New Westminster, and Port Coquitlam to support the ERP being implemented in those Provincial Court registries.
The aim of the ERP is to achieve better outcomes for clients and reduce wasted court time. As part of the ERP support, expanded FDC clients will be provided with a written summary of their advice. FDC services will receive additional support for booking meetings and interpreters for clients, collecting client documents, and maintaining client files to ensure continuity of service. The additional support will also allow FDC lawyers to provide preparation and representation for clients at Family Management Conferences, if arranged in advance. Paralegals are available to assist with drafting court forms for FDC clients.
For more information about the ERP expansion, see this BC Government news release.
To learn more about the ERP in general, visit gov.bc.ca/EarlyResolution.
For information about Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres, visit gov.bc.ca/FamilyJusticeCentres.
