Shaney learns how important it is to prepare for a family management conference (Surrey and Victoria).
If you find yourself in this position, you can get help from these resources:
Surrey and Victoria Family Court
Explains how anyone who wants to resolve a family dispute in Surrey or Victoria Provincial (Family) Court is able to use different procedures than in the rest of BC.
Family management conferences in Provincial Court
Explains what happens at an FMC and how to prepare.
Transcript:
Panel 1: Shaney arrives at door, wearing oversize sunglasses, floppy hat, trailing scarf
Shaney: “The talent has arrived, dahling!”
Panel 2: Friend (laughing): “Oh Shaney, you look ridiculous!”
Shaney: “Hey, it’s not every day I get asked to help read a script!”
Panel 3: Friend: Well, thanks for the laugh – but I need to get serious pretty quick. I’ve been told that my family management conference can be as serious as a trial.
Panel 4: Shaney removes her costume.
Shaney: I thought you said that you and Robb just get to have an informal talk with a judge?
Panel 5: Friend: Yes, it’s not in a courtroom, but the judge can make court orders and once that happens you can’t easily change them.
Panel 6: Friend: Since I don’t have a lawyer, I’ve got to make sure I’ve got the facts, have all the documents, and know exactly what orders I want.
Panel 7: Friend: Then I need to make sure I don’t forget to say it all! I’ll be a bit nervous, right?
Shaney: Ah, so that’s where the script comes in!
Panel 8: Friend: Exactly. The website I’ve been using for legal info says to write down what I need to say and practise saying it. And there’s tips for how to act.
Panel 9: Friend: Then I can just read from the script at the conference – that’s totally okay with judges.
Panel 10: Shaney: Great! So what part do I get to play today?
Friend: Um, the judge. You’ve just got a couple of lines. Sorry, Ms. Winslet!
Panel 11: Shaney (dramatic sigh): So much for practising my signature for autographs.
Friend: Well, you get to sign the Certificate of Service!
Panel 12: Friend hugs Shaney
Friend: And you’ve got your number one fan right here.