The provincial government has launched a new service that will help families resolve disputes in mediation before entering a courtroom.
The Victoria Early Resolution and Case Management Model was developed by the Ministry of Attorney General, the Provincial Court and others in the justice sector.
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It will provide family justice services including assessment, mediation and parenting education, and aims to create a more efficient court system.
“This new approach to resolving family disputes keeps the focus on the best interests of children and families, and could transform our approach to family justice in our province,” says Attorney General David Eby.
Participants can call or visit the Victoria Justice Access Centre (JAC) in the Victoria Law Court building at 850 Burdett Ave for assistance with family law matters such as child and spousal support, parenting arrangements, contact and guardianship.
Once assessed by the JAC, parties will be referred to free parenting education and, if appropriate, may participate in at least one consensual dispute resolution session and receive the services of a child support officer.
The results of this model in Victoria will determine whether the government rolls out similar initiatives throughout the province.
