Court of King's Bench

The Court of King's Bench has jurisdiction over major civil and criminal matters. In addition, it hears appeals of decisions on summary conviction matters made in the Provincial Court. The Court is divided into two divisions: Trial Division and Family Division. In addition, judges of the Court of King's Bench have jurisdiction over Probate matters.

Court of King's Bench, Trial Division

The Trial Division hears civil law matters, excluding family disputes, which are heard in the Family Division. Trial Division Judges also preside over criminal trials, with or without a jury. The Trial Division hears appeals relating to summary conviction offences tried in the Provincial Court, and the judges sit in the Provincial Court when necessary.

The Trial Division's jurisdiction is outlined in the Judicature Act.

The Trial Division holds sittings in the eight Court of King's Bench Judicial Districts of New Brunswick.

Court of King's Bench, Family Division

The Family Division deals with all family matters such as marriages, divorces, adoptions, division of marital property, claims for spousal and/or child support, guardianship and custody and access. The Family Division also deals with matters relating to consent to medical treatment of minors, changes of name, presumptions of death, as well as matters relating to the care of infirm persons and the management of their property.

The Family Division's jurisdiction is outlined in the Judicature Act.

The Family Division holds sittings in all of the eight Judicial Districts of the Court of King's Bench.