The Provincial Court of British Columbia has released its 2024-25 Annual Report, providing new insight into how separating families are resolving disputes across the province. The Provincial Court’s data reflect a clear and accelerating shift toward early resolution pathways, including mediation, parenting coordination, and other consensual processes that are reshaping the experience of family separation in British Columbia.

This alert outlines the key implications of the report and offers guidance for families, professionals, and advisors evaluating the most effective pathways for resolving family law issues in the year ahead.

A Measurable Shift Toward Earlier and More Efficient Resolution in B.C.

Three trends in the report illustrate the growing impact of early resolution pathways across British Columbia.

Significant reduction in new Surrey family cases:

The report identifies a 61% decrease in new family law filings in Surrey.

Impact: This decline reflects the effectiveness of Surrey’s Early Resolution Registry, which channels families toward assessment, education, and mediation before litigation is available. This trend indicates that early supports are resolving disputes sooner and decreasing reliance on court processes. Families separating in 2026 can expect continued emphasis on front-end resolution, clearer process pathways, and less reliance on urgent applications.

Strong settlement rates through consensual dispute resolution:

68% of families who used consensual processes resolved some or all their legal issues.

Impact: These settlement rates confirm that structured mediation and facilitated negotiation often lead to durable parenting and financial agreements. The data underscores how guided discussions can lower conflict and provide more stable outcomes for children. Mediation is likely to remain a primary and effective pathway for families seeking timely and child-focused solutions in 2026.

Fewer court applications being filed:

57% of families resolved their issues without submitting court applications.

Impact: The reduction in applications illustrates how early resolution processes are preventing disputes from escalating into adversarial proceedings. Avoiding a court filing generally reduces cost, complexity, and interim conflict. For families planning separation in 2026, this trend signals continued access to efficient, front-end supports that stabilize key issues without the delays inherent in traditional litigation.

Why These Trends Matter for Families Entering 2026

The continued success of mediation and collaborative processes demonstrates a broader shift in how families, counsel, and the courts approach separation in British Columbia.

Mediation is becoming the default entry point:

Court programs that require early assessment and efforts at resolution are reducing the need for formal applications. Mediation is increasingly the first and most effective step for addressing parenting, support, and property issues, reducing the need for formal applications and providing families with quicker access to problem-solving and more flexible settlement options.

More consistent child focused outcomes:

Resolution-oriented processes frequently reduce conflict, which directly benefits children and supports stable long term co-parenting. Mediation allows families to develop parenting schedules and decision-making structures tailored to their circumstances, rather than relying on court-imposed frameworks that tend to be more rigid.

Expanded use of remote and hybrid models:

The continued prevalence of remote appearances signals a system-wide move toward greater accessibility. Remote and hybrid mediation formats allow families to participate from different locations, accommodate work schedules, and reduce barriers associated with in-person meetings. These formats also support more consistent participation in multi-session and child focused processes.

Greater support for self-represented families:

A significant portion of family law participants remain self-represented, and early resolution pathways help reduce procedural demands that often create delay or confusion. Structured entry points, such as early assessments and guided negotiation models, provide clearer steps and help prevent disputes from escalating unnecessarily.

When Mediation Works Best and When Additional Processes May Be Needed

Mediation is a highly effective tool for many families, but its suitability depends on the nature of the issues and the level of cooperation between parties.

Mediation is most effective when:

• Both parties are prepared to exchange financial information and participate in good faith.
• Parenting arrangements require tailored, child-focused solutions.
• There is a shared interest in reducing conflict and supporting long term co-parenting stability.
• The goal is to resolve matters efficiently and outside of court.

Other processes may be required when:

• Safety concerns or urgent issues require immediate court involvement.
• A party is unwilling to participate or refuses financial disclosure.
• Persistent parenting disputes require ongoing support through parenting coordination.
• A binding decision is needed, making arbitration or court intervention more appropriate.
• Selecting the right process at the outset can significantly influence the cost, pace, and durability of the outcome.

Practical Guidance Heading Into 2026

The 2024-25 data confirms that early resolution pathways are reshaping family dispute processes in British Columbia, a trend expected to strengthen in 2026 as families and professionals increasingly prioritize approaches that reduce conflict and streamline timelines. Families preparing for separation or restructuring parenting arrangements should keep the following in mind:

Start with early resolution where possible.

Mediation and related processes typically resolve issues more quickly and cost-effectively than litigation.

Prepare in advance.

Gathering financial documents, clarifying parenting priorities, and identifying areas of agreement can improve the efficiency and success of mediation.

Use a hybrid approach when helpful.

Mediation supported by independent legal advice can lead to informed, durable, and enforceable agreements.

Recognize when court involvement is necessary.

Urgent issues, safety concerns, or entrenched conflict may still require court oversight.

Remain focused on long term child wellbeing.

Resolution oriented approaches reduce conflict, which is closely connected to positive outcomes for children over time.

A clear understanding of mediation and early resolution tools will help families select the most effective pathway and achieve more stable, efficient outcomes in 2026.