New expedited process for changing a court order or agreement
You may take advantage of a new early resolution/expedited Provincial Court process, if you need to suspend or change a Provincial Court child or spousal support filed agreement or order because of a change in income related to COVID-19.
The first step in the new process is for both of you to attend a needs assessment interview. If you both agree to change your existing agreement or order, you can get help with preparing an amended written agreement or applying to the court to change your existing order by consent.
If you can’t agree, you and the other person may be referred to mediation (if it's appropriate in your situation.) You must also submit some forms to the court so they can arrange a hearing by telephone or videoconference, more quickly than usual.
To apply for this process, contact Family Justice Services to schedule a needs assessment interview at 1-844-747-3963 or 250-356-7012 (Victoria). You can also send an email to CSVariation@gov.bc.ca.
See If you're struggling to pay support for more details.
Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP)
If you’re registered with the FMEP, it’s very important that you contact your case manager at FMEP as soon as possible to let them know your financial and employment situation. Sign into your web account and if you don’t have FMEP web email, follow the instructions to set one up and send a web e-message explaining your situation.
Plan what documents or information might be needed by FMEP before contacting them. If you need help, duty counsel (click here for phone numbers) or a family justice counsellor (1-844-747-3963) may be able to assist you.
Try to pay your regular maintenance payment if you can. If you can’t, at the least, try to pay something. If the other person agrees on a temporary reduction, make sure that both of you let FMEP know.
Arrears
If you are behind in your support payments and there are arrears, e-message your case manager about the arrears, especially if there is an enforcement order requiring you to pay an amount on the arrears or face jail time.