Form 15: Application About Priority Parenting Matter
Use Form 15 to request, change or cancel an order concerning a legally defined priority parenting matter that requires expedited court attention; this is not the ordinary application for all parenting disputes.
First match the facts to the legal definition of a priority parenting matter. Ordinary service rules still apply unless the court changes them.
What counts as a priority parenting matter?
The Provincial Court Family Rules reserve this procedure for the specific matters in the Rule 2 definition of “priority parenting matter.” Examples include time-sensitive child health decisions, certain passport or travel-consent disputes involving risk, some improper child removals, and particular interjurisdictional/child-protection situations. An ordinary disagreement about a parenting schedule is not automatically a priority matter.
How to complete Form 15
- Identify the precise priority-parenting category in the official form; read its schedule requirements carefully.
- Complete the registry, parties, child information and existing file/order details if it applies.
- Explain the specific order you want and why the matter fits the legal priority definition. State the timeline and practical risk clearly.
- Attach relevant records or supporting documents. A special child-protection schedule may require information from a director under the Child, Family and Community Service Act.
- File Form 15 and supporting material. Arrange service under Rules 76–77, keeping a record, unless a judge orders a modified requirement.
Notice and seven-day service rule
Under Rule 77, the application and evidence are usually served at least seven days before the appearance. Allowed methods depend on whether the other party has a filed address for service; if not, personal service by an adult non-party may be appropriate. A court may order a shorter notice period. The person who serves must complete a Form 7 certificate of service.
What if service would put the child at risk?
Rule 78 lets a party apply using Form 11 to waive or change the notice requirement. The judge may instead specify when and how notice must be given. Do not simply omit service without an order authorizing that change.
Child protection director notice
Rule 77.1 requires service on the director under the Child, Family and Community Service Act if the application falls within paragraph (h) of the defined priority parenting matters. The government’s Form 15 includes a special Schedule 1 for this situation. Other priorities do not automatically require that schedule.
Worked example
A guardian believes delaying consent to a needed treatment may put a child’s health at risk and there is no on-time agreement. They review the Rule 2 definition, prepare Form 15 explaining the medical timing and attach relevant evidence. They then follow the Rule 77 notice requirements or ask for court directions on shortened notice.
Common mistake
Do not use Form 15 simply to speed up an ordinary Form 3 parenting or support case. Match the facts to the defined priority category and give the court enough evidence to understand the urgency.