Family Resources in Canada and BC
The following information contains links to websites that provide an introduction to family law and conflict resolution.
Department of Justice Canada maintains a website that discusses the laws that govern separation and divorce in Canada. The BC Ministry of Attorney General maintains a website that provides general information about a number of issues of interest to B.C. couples who have separated or who are about to separate. It may also be useful for guardians and other family members, such as grandparents, who may be involved in making important decisions about the family and its future.
If you are separating in Canada you may be required to attend a session on Parenting after Separation (PAS). PAS is designed to focus on the needs of children when parents separate, and how parents can help meet those needs. The Ministry of Attorney General also publish a Handbook for Parents called Parenting after Separation, which provides valuable information on how to support your family through this major life change.
JP Boyd’s Family Law Resource website discusses the various alternatives to going to court if you have a family law problem. “Depending on your particular circumstances, you may never need to darken the doorway of a courtroom. Almost every issue a couple faces when their relationship breaks down can be handled without litigation, as long as both people are open to negotiation and each is flexible enough to find compromise. The only thing you must go to court for is a divorce order.”
The Legal Services Society maintains this legal information website about family law and legal aid British Columbia, Canada. They also publish this booklet, which explains the law in general concerning common-law relationships, marriage, separation, and divorce. Here is a more detailed explanation of Spousal Support (Law Courts Education Society of BC, 2009). My $upport Calculator provides free estimates of recommended child and spousal support according to the Canadian federal guidelines.
Listed below are individuals and organizations that have been (or expect to be) represented at a “Smartsettle Orientation for Family Gatekeepers” session and have agreed to have their attendance recorded here. This list includes excellent resources for supporting children and families in resolving conflicts in more peaceful and collaborative ways.
Resources near Abbotsford, BC
Counsellors
Annette Kasahara
Registered Clinical Counsellor – M.Ed. Psychology
Marriage – Relationships – Families
604-531-4491
Axis Point Counselling & Consulting
Gregory Marc Huebner*, MA Psychology CCC, Clinical Counsellor
Family Therapy – Teens – Marriage – CBT
604-820-1601
axispoint@uniserve.com
Clayburn Counselling Services
Gordon Auld* Registered Clinical Counsellor
Individual, Couple and Family Therapy
604-859-2364
Daystar Counselling Services
Cliff Holloway, (M.T.S.-C), Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Trauma Counsellor
102-2890 Garden St., Abbotsford, B.C.
Office: 604.855.6677 Cell: 604.807.1690
Irene Peterson and Associates Clinical Counsellors
Registered Psychologist and Clinical Counsellors – Trauma Specialists
Irene Peterson*, Dr. Cinny Bubber
604-859-1462
Liberty Counselling Centre
Hans Abma
604-864-4357
Pastors
Harvest Christian Fellowship
Compassionately helping the hurting by leading them to Jesus
Todd Martin, Pastor
604 852-7878
West Abbotsford Mennonite Church
Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen, Pastor
604-854-8181
Highland Community Church
Roland Balzer
604-852-9509
Other Resources
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Our mission is to promote and develop the capacity of families and communities to:
* Support healthy child development;
* Care for and protect vulnerable children and youth; and
* Support adults with developmental disabilities.
Rufus Loewen, Chaplain
Paul Jenkinson, MSW
604-870-5880
Abbotsford Family Justice Centre
People can contact or visit family justice centres when they are thinking about separation or divorce, or at any time when dealing with issues of child custody, access, guardianship and support.
Family justice counsellors provide professional assistance that may result in resolving family issues outside of court.
604-851-7055
Chilliwack Mental Health Centre
Adult Community Support Service provides specialized service for individuals 19 years of age or older who have a serious and persistent mental illness that causes significant and enduring functional disabilities.
Bob LaRoy*
Marion Fallding
604-702-4860
Divorce Care
A special support group where you can find help as you recover from the hurt of separation or divorce.
South Abbotsford Church
604-853-2663 (Herman and Martha Siemens)
Central Heights Church Divorce Care
604-855-4529 (Dick and Louise Hiebert)
* Smartsettle Family Conflict Resolution Centre brochures available
Please contact us if you are interested in organizing or attending SmartSettle Orientaton for Gatekeepers sessions in your area.
[Family Resolution Centre] [Resolution Centre Locations] [Fee Schedule]