COVID-19
UPDATED DIRECTIVE
September 12, 2022
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.
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, child protection and parenting orders. 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 persons who require support in relation to decision-making 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.
