BC NDP MLAs Rotchford and Lajeunesse say more families getting access to free, faster support for family law matters in the Western Communities
COLWOOD – New Democrat MLAs Darlene Rotchford and Dana Lajeunesse say that families in the Western Communities can now access faster, more affordable help with family law matters through the Early Resolution Process (ERP). This means more families can resolve legal issues out of court with less stress, which also frees up local court resources for other matters.
“Navigating family changes and legal processes can be overwhelming,” said Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood. “This option supports people to resolve issues before they reach the courtroom, easing some of the pressure families feel during an already difficult time.”
The ERP is a free service that helps families to resolve challenges such as parenting arrangements, contact, child support and spousal support, and companion animals. It is designed to reduce conflict, resolve disputes out of court, and develop plans that are in the best interests of children.
This program has already been successful in other communities in BC and is now being expanded to 35 more Provincial Family Court locations, including the Western Communities.
“Access to justice should be timely, supportive, and focused on people’s real needs,” said Dana Lajeunesse, MLA for Juan de Fuca–Malahat. “Expanding this process helps families resolve issues earlier and with less strain, giving them a clearer and more manageable way to move forward.”
Services provided through the ERP include screening for family violence, identification of legal and non-legal needs, referrals to community organizations, assistance resolving disputes out of court through consensual dispute resolution, and support preparing for next steps, including court processes.
This expansion is part of government’s work to ensure timely access to justice for more people in the province.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026AG0022-000469