Separation or divorce is a major life change that can be difficult for parents, children, and other family members.

Parenting After Separation is free. The purpose of this course is to provide information to parents and guardians to help them make positive choices in caring for their child following separation or divorce. It also provides information about the separation process and how to access help, including mediation from a family justice counsellor.

In British Columbia you must complete Parenting After Separation before you can go to the Provincial Court to obtain or change an existing order  about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact or support.

If you and your spouse have come to an agreement without going to court, you are not required to complete Parenting After Separation but you are welcome to do so.

Once you have completed the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. If you are going to court, you have to file this certificate with the provincial court registry before they will set a court date. Both you and your spouse must complete the course on or before the first court date, unless you have an official exemption. (Please see Do I have to take Parenting After Separation? for more information about exemptions.)