Effective date: 02 August 2024
FAM 13
Background
In family files,the Court has received lengthy Affidavits and Exhibits, as well as Affidavits and Exhibits in electronic format on electronic storage devices without parties determining if the appropriate technology is in place to access the device during a hearing.
The Court has also received Affidavits and Exhibitsin family files that have photographs, screenshots or a video recording which contain intimate images of children or family members. Once filed these Exhibits may be accessed by those listed in the Court’s Access to Court Records policy.
Purpose
To set out guidelines regarding the length, format, and content of Affidavits and Exhibits in family proceedings. For the purpose of this Practice Direction, unless otherwise stated, “family proceedings” means proceedings under the Family Law Act, S.B.C. 2011, c. 25 (FLA), Child, Family and Community Service Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 46 (CFCSA) and other child protection laws, Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 127 (FMEA), Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 29, and Adult Guardianship Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 6.
Application
This practice direction applies to all Provincial Court locations in the Province.
Provincial Court of BC FAM 13