Understanding the Application About a Family Law Matter Form in British Columbia
If you are involved in a family law issue in British Columbia, you may need to complete the Application About a Family Law Matter form (Form 3) under the Provincial Court Family Rules. This official document is essential for requesting court orders related to various family law concerns, such as parenting arrangements, child support, or spousal support. Here’s what you need to know about this form, its purpose, and the process involved.
What is the purpose of this form?
The Application About a Family Law Matter form allows individuals to formally ask the Provincial Court for an order concerning a family law issue. Whether you are initiating a case where no previous order or agreement exists, or seeking to modify or cancel an existing final order (excluding property division related to a companion animal), this form is your starting point. It covers a range of family law matters, including:
- Parenting arrangements, including parental responsibilities and parenting time
- Child support
- Contact with a child
- Guardianship of a child
- Spousal support
- Property division concerning a companion animal
This form is also used if you want to set aside or replace an existing family law agreement. It is important to note that for protection orders or urgent parenting matters, other specific forms must be used, such as the Application About a Protection Order Form 12 or the Application About Priority Parenting Matter Form 15.
Preparing and completing the form
Before filling out the form, review the guidebook available online or at your local court registry. The guide provides detailed instructions on how to complete each section clearly and accurately. You can complete the form online through the Family Law Act Online Forms Service at justice.gov.bc.ca/apply-for-family-order, which offers guided questions and automatic data entry, or print a blank form to fill out by hand.
When preparing your application, gather all relevant documents, including existing orders or agreements, financial statements, and any supporting affidavits. Ensure the form is legible if filled out by hand, and include all required information to avoid delays.
Filing the application
Once completed, the application must be filed at the appropriate Provincial Court Registry. You should file it in the registry where:
- The existing Provincial Court case with the same parties is filed, or
- The child primarily resides most of the time.
Make sure to include copies of the application and all supporting documents for yourself, the court, and each other party involved. The documents can be filed in person or through the online service, depending on your circumstances.
Fill in your form directly online
No printing: type your details into the boxes of the official form, tick, then download the PDF ready to send.
- 1Type into the form boxes
- 2Tick in one click
- 3Save and download the PDF
Additional considerations and assistance
If your matter is urgent, or if you need to request a variation or cancellation of an interim order, different forms such as the Request for Scheduling Form 39 or Case Management Order Without Notice Form 11 may be required. Consulting with a lawyer or legal aid service can help ensure your application is complete and correctly filed. Resources such as Legal Referral Service or Legal Aid BC are available to provide guidance and legal advice.
Finally, it’s important to understand that family law proceedings can be complex, and proper preparation improves your chances of a successful outcome. Ensure you follow all instructions carefully and seek legal assistance if needed.