You've been served. What now?

Being handed a Notice of Family Claim or an Application About a Family Law Matter is disorienting even when you saw it coming. In BC, the moments after service are not the time to make a decision — they are the time to preserve your options.

1. Read the documents carefully

Identify the court (Provincial Court of BC or the Supreme Court of BC), the file number, the claims being made against you, and — critically — the response deadline. In the Supreme Court, you have 30 days from personal service in Canada or the U.S. to file a Response.

2. Do not respond emotionally to the other party

Text messages, emails and social media posts sent in the days after service are the most common evidence introduced against a party in a BC family file. If a Protection Order has been served, cease all contact and get legal advice immediately.

3. Preserve financial records

Download bank statements, credit card statements, tax returns, T4s, RRSP and pension statements, and property records for the past three years. Financial disclosure will be required either way — having it organized is a significant advantage.

4. Do not make big financial moves

Do not sell assets, empty accounts, refinance property, or make large withdrawals. Courts view unilateral moves during separation harshly, and there are automatic restrictions on dealing with family property once a claim is filed.

5. Speak with a family lawyer this week

A short call in the first week can protect the next year of the file. Dana Rogers offers a free 30-minute consultation for anyone recently served with family papers in BC.