How Do I ?

This section offers a basic outline of how to go about common legal and non-legal activities related to family law, from separating from your spouse or partner, to properly serving someone, to addressing the judge.

The answers in this section are, of course, only tips, hints and general guides. For most problems, more detailed information can be found in related chapters of this website. Remember that what you should do in each of the following situations will depend to a large extent on your particular circumstances. The advice and assistance of a lawyer is always recommended, even if you're only hiring the lawyer to answer a few questions.

How do I ...

The "How Do I ?" topics below will open in a new window. Please note that the information provided is relevant only to British Columbia, Canada.

Marriage, Separation and Divorce

Avoiding an Obligation

Alternatives to Court

Starting an Action

Defending an Action

Courtroom Protocol

Appealing a Judgment

Miscellaneous

Answers to the following common questions are available elsewhere in this website:

  • Changing your name: see Other Family Issues > Change of Name
  • Adopting a child: see Other Family Issues > Adoption
  • Getting a paternity test: see Other Family Issues > Paternity Issues
  • Doing your own divorce: see Marriage & Divorce > Divorce
  • Finding a lawyer: see The Legal System > Lawyers & Litigants
  • Firing your lawyer: see The Legal System > Lawyers & Litigants

Have a "how to" topic of your own that you think should be included? Go to the Feedback chapter.

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