Form F3 — Notice of Family Claim
How many Supreme Court family cases begin and the 30-day response period.
BC Supreme Court · Family law
Starting a BC Supreme Court Family Case
Use this section when the family case is just beginning or you have just been served with the documents that start it.
Use the page that matches the step you are at. These guides explain general procedure and link to official BC sources. They do not replace legal advice about strategy or the orders you should seek.
Pick the right starting point
- Starting a contested family case and responding to one are different tasks. A notice of family claim (F3), response (F4), counterclaim (F5) and response to counterclaim (F6) are not interchangeable.
- A response to a served F3 usually has a 30-day deadline stated on the form. Read the served document and relevant rules rather than guessing from the date the document was signed.
- If the parties are proceeding jointly or a divorce is undefended, use the dedicated guides rather than assuming the contested F3/F4 route applies.
Explore related guides
Form F4 — Response to Family Claim
How to answer an F3 and when a counterclaim may also be needed.
Forms F5/F6 — Counterclaim and response
When a respondent asks for their own orders and how the other party responds.
Serving family documents
Personal vs ordinary service and proof of service.
Judicial Case Conference (JCC)
The early conference process, Form F19 and key preparation steps.
Desk-order / undefended divorce
How F35, F36, F37 and F38 fit together when the case is undefended.
Official sources
Consult the current rule text and prescribed forms before filing. Links are provided for independent verification; this guide is not legal advice.