THE ADVOCATE 421
VOL. 79 PART 3 MAY 2021
on feedback, the rules for protection orders are now consolidated into one
rule with clearer forms. The new PCFR also create space for children’s
lawyers and enables lawyers to provide unbundled services by identifying
the scope of their retainers. The new forms were tested with users and use
a plain language, first-person guided conversational question-and-answer
approach that minimizes repetition and helps the user provide their story
in a meaningful way. We anticipate making many of the key forms available
online through a user-friendly app when the rules come into force.
For those of you reading this before May 17, 2021, you will find the new
PCFR and forms primarily in B.C. Reg. 120/2020, with some amendments
in Schedule 2 of B.C. Reg. 236/2020. You may also be interested in “PCFR
Explained”, a section-by-section explanation of the new rules, which can be
found on the “Justice Reform Initiatives – Civil and Family Justice” page of
the B.C. government’s website. If you missed the PCFR CLE on April 20, you
can find it in the rebroadcast schedule.
I want to express my appreciation for the leadership of the Provincial
Court and the PCFR Working Group. Valuable input was also provided by
many other members of the bench, bar, advocates, self-represented litigants
and general public. Implementing a new set of rules has been a major operational
task for the Provincial Court, Court Services Branch, Family Justice
Services Division and the Family Policy, Legislation and Transformation
Division of the Ministry of Attorney General, and I am so grateful for the
efforts of everyone involved. Successful implementation of these new rules
will rely on a wide range of legal, educational and family service providers
within the sector whose efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you for all
your efforts.