Kamloops Family Justice Centre – Kamloops, BC

Kamloops Family Justice Centre Overview

The Kamloops Family Justice Centre is a provincial government service located in Kamloops Square at 150 Victoria Street. It serves as a critical resource for families experiencing separation or divorce. Unlike a courtroom, this centre focuses on dispute resolution and mediation. It is staffed by Family Justice Counsellors, who are accredited mediators trained to help parents resolve disagreements regarding parenting arrangements, guardianship, and child support without the need for a judge. The services are free of charge for eligible B.C. families and are designed to prioritize the best interests of the children while reducing the emotional and financial strain of litigation.

Core Services

The centre provides a supportive environment for navigating family law issues.

Mediation: This is the primary service. Counsellors facilitate safe and productive conversations between parents to reach a written agreement on parenting time and responsibilities.

Legal Information: While they cannot provide legal advice (that is the role of a lawyer), staff can provide extensive information on the Family Law Act, explain court procedures, and assist with filling out Provincial Court forms.

Assessment: Before mediation begins, counsellors conduct individual needs assessments to ensure that mediation is appropriate and safe for both parties, screening for issues such as family violence.

Court Requirements

For many family law matters in the Provincial Court of Kamloops, visiting the Family Justice Centre is a mandatory first step. Under the rules, parties may be required to meet with a Family Justice Counsellor for a needs assessment before they can schedule a court appearance. This "early resolution" approach aims to settle matters amicably whenever possible.

Location and Accessibility

The centre is conveniently located in downtown Kamloops, on the second floor of the Kamloops Square building (near the old cinema complex).

Parking: There is a paid parking lot within Kamloops Square and metered street parking available on Victoria and Seymour Streets.

Transit: The location is just a block away from the Lansdowne Exchange, the main transit hub for the entire city, making it extremely accessible by bus.