Duty counsel lawyers for family law matters

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,
  • guardianshipparenting 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

    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

Abbotsford

  • Abbotsford Court
    Provincial Court
    32375 Veterans Way
    Abbotsford
    BC
    V2T 0B3
    Hours

    In-person services: Tue, Thu, and Fri. For hours, call 604-755-0876.

  • Abbotsford Court
    Supreme Court
    32375 Veterans Way
    Abbotsford
    BC
    V2T 0B3
    Hours

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

Bella Bella

  • Bella Bella (circuit)
    Bella Bella
    BC
    Hours

    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

Burns Lake

  • Burns Lake Provincial Court
    508 Yellowhead Highway
    Burns Lake
    BC
    V0J 1E0
    Hours

    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

Campbell River

  • Campbell River Provincial Court
    500 13th Avenue
    Campbell River
    BC
    V9W 4G7
    Hours

    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

Chilliwack

  • Chilliwack Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    46085 Yale Road
    Chilliwack
    BC
    V2P 2L8
    Hours

    In-person services Mon and Wed. For hours, call 604-393-0679.

  • Chilliwack Law Courts
    Supreme Court
    46085 Yale Road
    Chilliwack
    BC
    V2P 2L8
    Hours

    Call 604-393-0679.

Colwood

  • Western Communities Court (Colwood)
    1756 Island Highway
    Colwood
    BC
    V9B 1H8
    Hours

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

Courtenay

  • Courtenay Provincial Court
    420 Cumberland Road
    Courtenay
    BC
    V9N 2C4
    Hours

    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)

Cranbrook

  • Cranbrook Provincial Court
    102 11th Avenue S.
    Cranbrook
    BC
    V1C 2P3
    Hours

    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)

Creston

  • Creston Provincial Court
    224 10th Avenue N.
    Creston
    BC
    V0B 1G0
    Hours

    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)

Dawson Creek

  • Dawson Creek Provincial Court
    Dawson Creek
    1201 103 Avenue
    Dawson Creek
    BC
    V1G 4J2
    Hours

    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)

Duncan

  • Duncan Court
    Provincial Court
    238 Government Street
    Duncan
    BC
    V9L 1A5
    Hours

    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.

  • Duncan Court
    Supreme Court
    238 Government Street
    Duncan
    BC
    V9L 1A5
    Hours

    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

Fernie

  • Fernie Provincial Court
    401 4th Avenue
    Fernie
    BC
    V0B 1M0
    Hours

    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)

Fort Nelson

  • Fort Nelson (Family services)
    5431 Airport Drive
    Fort Nelson
    BC
    V0C 1R0
    Hours

    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)

Fort St. James

  • Fort St. James Provincial Court
    2537 Stones Bay Road
    Fort St. James
    BC
    V0J 1P0
    Hours

    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)

Fort St. John

  • Fort St. John Provincial Court
    10600 100 Street
    Fort St. John
    BC
    V1J 3X5
    Hours

    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)

Golden

Hazelton

  • Hazelton
    2210 Highway 62
    Hazelton
    BC
    V0J 1Y0
    Hours

    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)

Invermere

  • Invermere Provincial Court
    645 7th Avenue
    Invermere
    BC
    V0A 1K0
    Hours

    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

Kamloops

  • Kamloops
    Provincial Court
    455 Columbia Street
    Kamloops
    BC
    V2C 6K4
    Hours

    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.

  • Kamloops
    Supreme Court
    455 Columbia Street
    Kamloops
    BC
    V2C 6K4
    Hours

    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

Kelowna

  • Kelowna
    Supreme Court
    1355 Water Street
    Kelowna
    BC
    V1Y 9R3
    Hours

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

  • Kelowna
    Provincial Court
    1355 Water Street
    Kelowna
    BC
    V1Y 9R3
    Hours

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

Lillooet

  • Lillooet Provincial Court
    615 Main Street
    Lillooet
    BC
    V0K 1V0
    Hours

    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)

Masset

  • Masset Provincial Court
    Haida Gwaii Circuit (Family)
    1666 Orr Street
    Masset
    BC
    V0T 1M0
    Phone
    604-921-2299

Merritt

  • Merritt Provincial Court
    3420 Voght Street
    Merritt
    BC
    V1K 1C7
    Hours

    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)

Nanaimo

  • Nanaimo Justice Access Centre
    Nanaimo
    BC
    Phone
    250-244-4221
    Hours

    Call for hours

  • Nanaimo Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    35 Front Street
    Nanaimo
    BC
    V9R 5J1
    Phone
    250-244-4221
    Hours

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

Nelson

  • Nelson Provincial Court
    320 Ward Street
    Nelson
    BC
    V1L 1S6
    Hours

    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)

New Westminster

  • New Westminster Law Courts
    Provincial Court - Begbie Square
    651 Carnarvon Street
    New Westminster
    BC
    V3M 1C9
    Hours

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

  • New Westminster Law Courts
    Supreme Court - Begbie Square
    651 Carnarvon Street
    New Westminster
    BC
    V3M 1C9
    Hours

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

North Vancouver

  • North Vancouver Provincial Court
    200 23rd Street E
    North Vancouver
    BC
    V7L 4R4
    Hours

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

Penticton

  • Penticton Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    100 Main Street
    Penticton
    BC
    V2A 5A5
    Hours

    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.

  • Penticton Law Courts
    Supreme Court
    Penticton
    BC
    Hours

    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

Port Alberni

  • Port Alberni Law Courts
    Port Alberni Provincial Court
    2999 4th Avenue
    Port Alberni
    BC
    V9Y 8A5
    Hours

    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.

  • Port Alberni Law Courts
    Port Alberni Supreme Court
    2999 4th Avenue
    Port Alberni
    BC
    V9Y 8A5
    Hours

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

Port Coquitlam

  • Port Coquitlam Law Courts
    2620 Mary Hill Road
    Port Coquitlam
    BC
    V3C 3B2
    Hours

    In-person services available Tue, Wed, and Thu. For hours, contact the New Westminster Family Duty Counsel office at 604-601-6052.

Port Hardy

  • Port Hardy Provincial Court
    9300 Trustee Road
    Port Hardy
    BC
    V0N 2P0
    Hours

    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)

Powell River

  • Powell River Provincial Court
    6953 Alberni Street
    Powell River
    BC
    V8A 2B8
    Hours

    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)

Prince George

  • Prince George Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    250 George Street
    Prince George
    BC
    V2L 5S2
    Hours

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

  • Prince George Law Courts
    Supreme Court
    250 George Street
    Prince George
    BC
    V2L 5S2
    Hours

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

Prince Rupert

  • Prince Rupert Provincial Court
    100 Market Place
    Prince Rupert
    BC
    V8J 1B8
    Hours

    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

Quesnel

  • Quesnel Provincial Court
    350 Barlow Avenue
    Quesnel
    BC
    V2J 2C2
    Hours

    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

Revelstoke

  • Revelstoke Provincial Court
    1123 2nd Street W
    Revelstoke
    BC
    V0E 2S0
    Hours

    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

Richmond

  • Richmond Provincial Court
    7577 Elmbridge Way
    Richmond
    BC
    V6X 1B8
    Hours

    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.

Rossland

  • Rossland Provincial Court
    2288 Columbia Avenue
    Rossland
    BC
    V0G 1Y0
    Hours

    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)

Salmon Arm

  • Salmon Arm Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    550 2nd Avenue NE
    Salmon Arm
    BC
    V1E 1H1
    Hours

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

  • Salmon Arm Law Courts
    Supreme Court
    550 2nd Avenue
    Salmon Arm
    BC
    V1E 1H1
    Hours

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

Sechelt

  • Sechelt Provincial Court
    5480 Shorncliffe Avenue
    Sechelt
    BC
    V0N 3A0
    Hours

    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

Smithers

  • Smithers Provincial Court
    3793 Alfred Avenue
    Smithers
    BC
    V0J 2N0
    Hours

    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.

Sparwood

  • Sparwood
    132 Spruce
    Sparwood
    BC
    V0B 2G0
    Hours

    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.

Surrey

  • Surrey Provincial Court
    14340 57 Avenue
    Surrey
    BC
    V3X 3P1
    Hours

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

Terrace

  • Terrace Provincial Court
    3408 Kalum Street
    Terrace
    BC
    V8G 2N6
    Hours

    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

Vancouver

  • Vancouver Law Courts - Robson Square
    Supreme Court FDC services
    800 Hornby Street
    Vancouver
    BC
    V6Z 2E1
    Hours

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

  • Vancouver Law Courts - Robson Square
    Provincial Court
    800 Hornby Street
    Vancouver
    BC
    V6Z 2E1
    Phone
    604-601-6086
    Hours

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

Vanderhoof

  • Vanderhoof Provincial Court
    2440 Bute Street
    Vanderhoof
    BC
    V0J 3A0
    Hours

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

Vernon

  • Vernon Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    3001 27th Street
    Vernon
    BC
    V1T 4W5
    Hours

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

  • Vernon Law Courts
    Supreme Court
    3001 27th Street
    Vernon
    BC
    V1T 4W5
    Hours

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

Victoria

  • Victoria Law Courts
    Provincial Court
    850 Burdett Avenue
    Victoria
    BC
    V8W 9J2
    Hours

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

  • Victoria Law Courts
    Supreme Court
    850 Burdett Avenue
    Victoria
    BC
    V8W 9J2
    Hours

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

Williams Lake

  • Williams Lake Provincial Courthouse
    540 Borland Street
    Williams Lake
    BC
    V2G 1R8
    Hours

    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