Justice Access Centres

The justice access centres are the place to come when you need help with family and civil law issues that affect your everyday life, such as separation or divorce, income security, employment, housing or debt. We offer a range of information and services designed to help people find an early and affordable solution.

There are justice access centres in Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria.

The centres are wheelchair accessible and family friendly. In some situations, an interpreter can be arranged.

If you have immediate safety concerns involving mental health or family violence, we may refer you to a doctor, VictimLinkBC or the police. (We’ll also help get you into court as quickly as possible, if necessary.)

(Family Justice Centres are located in communities around the province.  The centres provide services to British Columbians going through separation or divorce.)

How we can help

At the justice access centres we can help assess what you need, provide information about your legal and related issues and refer you to services and resources that are available for your situation:

  • Self-help and information services
  • Dispute resolution and mediation options
  • Limited legal advice
  • Community resources and agencies
  • Free publications
  • Courses and presentations

There is a whole team at each centre ready to help you with family and civil justice issues.

If you have a family law issue, you may speak with a family justice counsellor or a child support officer to learn about or participate in dispute resolution. We will link you to community groups when that is the best option.

If you need legal advice or if you are interested in meeting with a lawyer, we will let you know what services are available.

You may be asked about your income. Some services at the centre are available to everyone and some are available only to people with low incomes. Some of the services we refer you to may charge a fee.

Justice access centres do not deal with criminal issues, small claims court forms and filings, and some other specific legal solutions

Participating partners

Justice access centres are funded by the Ministry of Attorney General. Onsite services are provided by the Ministry of Attorney General and partner agencies.  The partner agencies vary depending on the centre, and can include, but are not limited to:  Mediate BC Society, Legal Services Society, Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, Credit Counselling Society and Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia.