A new French-language family justice resource

British Columbia's free online Parenting After Separation course is now available in French. The Province announced the new version on August 10, 2026, giving Francophone parents and caregivers direct access to the course in an official language they understand.

The development is practical as well as symbolic. Separation often requires parents to absorb unfamiliar legal and parenting information while making decisions about children, finances and new household arrangements. Receiving that information in French can remove one avoidable barrier at an already demanding time.

What the course covers

Parenting After Separation is an educational program for people who are separating, divorcing or co-parenting. According to the Province, it addresses:

  • the effects of separation on adults, children and youth;
  • ways families can adjust to change;
  • communication and conflict reduction;
  • keeping children and youth out of parental conflict; and
  • options for resolving family disputes, including mediation, counselling and the court process.

The course has been offered in British Columbia since 1994. It is now available in English, Punjabi and French, and a culturally informed version is available for Indigenous families.

The program provides general information. It does not assess a family's evidence, recommend a particular parenting schedule or replace legal advice about an agreement, court application or order.

When the course may be required

A person involved in a family law case in the Provincial Court of British Columbia may be required to complete Parenting After Separation before a family management conference with a judge can be scheduled. The requirement and any exemption depend on the applicable court rules, location and circumstances.

Parents should therefore check the directions that apply to their file rather than assume the course is either mandatory or optional in every case. Completing the course also does not determine the outcome of a parenting, support or guardianship dispute.

Why language access matters

Nyusha Samiei, a partner and family lawyer at Sinclair Centre Law, recently discussed the new French course with journalist Nizar Rebii of La Source. She explained that language access is part of meaningful access to justice: some Francophone residents of British Columbia are not bilingual, and learning an unfamiliar legal process in a less familiar language can add a serious burden during separation.

La Source also reported that the French course contains eight chapters with video, audio, transcripts and questionnaires. The addition gives Francophone parents a clearer starting point, even though broader access to French forms, instructions and services remains important throughout the family justice process.

What parents may still need to decide

The course can help explain the process, but each family must still address its own facts. Depending on the circumstances, important questions may include:

  • where the children will live and how parenting time will be organized;
  • how significant decisions for the children will be made;
  • whether interim or urgent arrangements are needed;
  • child or spousal support and complete financial disclosure;
  • the division of family property and debt;
  • whether negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court is the appropriate next step; and
  • which deadlines, notices or evidence require immediate attention.

Early advice can help a parent distinguish general education from the decisions that must be made in their own matter. It can also help preserve options before positions harden or a procedural deadline passes.

Family law services in French

Sinclair Centre Law offers family law services in French. We can help Francophone clients understand the legal issues, identify practical priorities and prepare the next step around the facts, evidence and deadlines that matter.

If you are separating or dealing with a parenting, support or property issue in British Columbia, contact us to request a consultation.

Sources and important note

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Family law requirements and available options depend on the facts, governing legislation, court rules and existing agreements or orders.