I went through the BC family-law process myself and found the forms much harder to understand than they needed to be. Once I understood what each form was actually asking for, the process became much easier to manage. These guides explain the forms in plain English.
Based on lived experience and checked against current official BC forms and rules. Not legal advice.What this form is really for
Use Form 10 for a case-management order that falls within the Provincial Court Family Rules. It can be used for a consent case-management order without attendance or to request a court appearance for a case-management order.
Parts 1–2 — Who is affected
Identify the parties and, if relevant, another person directly affected by the requested order. The form recognizes that some case-management orders can require action by someone who is not technically a party.
Part 3 — Notice
The form says the application and supporting documents must generally be served at least 7 days before the court appearance unless the court allows no notice or shorter notice.
Part 4 — Which case-management order
Choose the actual procedural order you want. Examples in the form include transferring the file, correcting/amending filed documents, setting deadlines for disclosure/evidence, requiring information from a non-party, parentage testing and other listed case-management powers.
Reasons / supporting evidence
Explain why the specific management order is needed and attach evidence or documents that support it. A procedural request still needs a clear factual reason.
Consent vs. appearance
Form 10 can also be used where everyone consents to a case-management order and no court appearance is requested. In those cases, the rules also require the appropriate draft consent order.
Common mistakes to watch for
- Using Form 10 simply because the issue feels urgent.
- Asking for a substantive parenting/support change that belongs in another process.
- Forgetting that someone directly affected by the order may need notice even if they are not a named party.
- Not serving the application/supporting material within the required notice period when notice is required.
- Selecting an order without clearly explaining why it is needed.
What happens after you fill it out?
1. File Form 10 with the evidence or documents supporting the case-management request. This form is for procedural/case-management orders authorized by the Rules, not a general substitute for Form 3.
2. If a court appearance is required, serve the package on each other party and anyone directly affected. Rule 64 generally requires Form 10 and supporting material to be served at least 7 days before the court appearance unless another rule or court order changes that requirement.
3. If everyone agrees to a case-management order and no appearance is requested, the consent route is different. The parties generally file the Form 10 plus a signed draft Form 18. The judge or family justice manager can approve it, require more information or attendance, suggest changes that still require consent, or reject it.
4. If an order is made, read the filed order carefully. A case-management order can create deadlines or directions that affect the next step in the case.