You can still apply for a protection order. See Protection Orders During COVID-19 for additional support. The procedure is a little different because of COVID-19. Learn more about Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders.
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911.
How to apply
Provincial Court: Provincial Court family court filings, including protection orders, can be made in-person or by email, mail or fax. The Provincial Court is returning to the pre-COVID process for bringing matters before the court.
Family Law BC also provides a wonderful step-by-step guide for applying for a protection order.
Supreme Court: In-person registry services have resumed at all Supreme Court registries in British Columbia. While in-person filing is available, parties are strongly encouraged to use e-filing, or one of the other methods. See Notice No. 34 (Civil and Family) for more details. See Notice No. 24 for how to e-file through Court Services Online.
Both the Provincial and Supreme Court returned to their pre-COVID process for hearing urgent matters. The COVID-19 Urgent Application forms have been discontinued. All new applications can be submitted to the courts.
See the BC Family Justice’s COVID -19 Legal Questions and BC Family Law’s Q & A - Family Violence for more information and direction.
BC family duty counsel is providing service over the phone. Find contact information in your area.
For more information, see:
- Q & A - Family Violence – Legal Aid BC
- COVID -19 Legal Questions - BC Government Family Justice website
- Protection Orders – Provincial Court eNews article explaining who can apply, and in what circumstances.
