Family law issues are more complex when a relationship is affected by laws from outside Canada. If you're not a Canadian citizen, a separation, divorce, or an abusive relationship might make you feel like your residency status is at risk. We're here to help.
Separation and divorce
Marriages, divorces, and annulments inside Canada
Answers some commonly asked questions about how moving from country to country can affect your marital status in BC and abroad.
Getting a divorce if your home country doesn't recognize your same-sex marriage
If your same-sex marriage isn't recognized in your home country and you can't get a divorce there, you might be able to apply for a divorce in BC as a non-resident.
Leaving Canada with children
Can you move — With or without your children?
You might have to follow certain rules if your move would affect the other parent's ability to spend time with the children.
Do you need any legal documents to leave Canada with your children?
If you're travelling outside of Canada with your children without their other parent, you might be asked to show that you're allowed to take your children out of the country.
Court orders made outside BC
When more than one province or country is involved
Living in different places can affect whether you can change or enforce a support order because more than one set of laws is involved. BC has agreements with certain other countries that might allow you to change or enforce an order made elsewhere.
Legal forms and documents
Find out how to serve documents on someone if they're living outside BC.
Abuse and family violence
Live Safe, End Abuse can help you plan for your safety if you're in an abusive or violent situation. It includes information on what to do if you're being abused by your sponsor. This publication is available in several languages.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship breakdown
Sponsorship Breakdown explains what happens when a sponsorship breaks down, and how to apply for social assistance. This publication is available in several languages.
Ruptura del Contrato de Esponsoramiento
A 4½-minute video in Spanish about sponsorship breakdown. Depicts the fictional case of Susana, a woman in an abusive relationship, who learns from her coworker Anita that she can leave her abusive husband without fear of losing her permanent residence status.
Solicitudes Internas de Esponsoramiento
A 6½-minute video in Spanish about making a sponsoring application within Canada. Depicts the fictional case of a recently married couple, Roxana (a Canadian) and Emilio (a Chilean), who can't bear to be apart. They go to see their lawyer, Tomas, who tells them that they can apply for Emilio's permanent residency from within Canada.