Start here for step‑by‑step guides, court forms, and plain‑language explanations of New Brunswick family law procedures.
Family Law Information Line (PLEIS‑NB)
1‑888‑236‑2444 | Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:15
Free legal information (not advice) in English and French
These Rules of Court outline the legal procedure for all family proceedings. The FLICs and Family Law Information Line are available to assist with questions of procedure.
More information about going to court is available here.
These services may help you understand your options or provide short‑term legal advice if you qualify.
Many family law issues can be resolved without going to court through mediation, negotiation, or other dispute‑resolution options.
These options can be faster, less costly, and less stressful than court.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
Fact Sheet: Resolving Family Law Issues out of Court (federal)
Parenting arrangements focus on a child’s best interests and set out decision‑making, parenting time, and responsibilities:
A court may order an evaluation to obtain independent, expert information about the children’s needs, perspectives, and the capacity of the parents to meet those needs. Financial support is available:
There are practical apps and resources to help parents communicate effectively and stay organized. Consider:
Communication Apps:
Child support is usually required and is based on income, parenting time, and the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
There are tools and agencies in place to help with the enforcement and establishment of support orders.
If a parent has not provided the necessary financial information to make or change a support order, the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act may offer a way of accessing specific information from federal databases (e.g. Canada Revenue Agency). The applicable forms are available here.
Spousal support may be available after separation or divorce depending on income, roles during the relationship, and need.
When spouses separate, property, debts, pensions, and finances usually need to be divided or addressed.
Information and resources are available for people impacted by intimate partner violence.