The counter will connect individuals with court registry staff remotely via phone or video for help with general inquiries, court forms and other topics that relate to the Provincial and Supreme Court processes to cover both criminal and civil cases.
“Navigating the justice system can be challenging, especially for people who face barriers accessing in-person services,” said Attorney General Niki Sharma in a Feb. 4 statement.
Through the platform, expert court registry staff can answer questions in real time, share court forms and links and arrange calls for follow up. Confirmations are sent by email and by text if a phone number is provided. In-person services remain available at court registries.
“People need support that adapts to their circumstances and remote access through the new virtual counter transforms the way we help people. Anyone in British Columbia can now conveniently access these critical services from the comfort of their homes,” said Sharma.
The virtual counter operates through one province-wide queue, so everyone receives the same level of service regardless of where they live. Staff can draw on regional expertise as needed for better access to the court system, especially for those who face barriers to access in-person services.
“The virtual counter marks a major step forward in modernizing how people receive court services,” said Lain Nicoll, registry technician, Court Registries. “Virtual counter helps replace overloaded phone lines with a system that is clearer, faster and more inclusive for everyone in our province.”
Assistance through the platform can include:
- “explaining steps in a family, civil, small claims or criminal matter
- clarifying next steps after receiving a court order, notice or registry correspondence
- directing people to the right registry, online service or resource
- understanding which forms are needed and how to complete them
- using electronic court systems to confirm existing information, such as remand days, chambers schedules or small claims sittings.”
While operators can help with understanding court processes and to complete forms or set court dates, they cannot provide legal advice, the province noted.
It said the virtual counter is part of the province’s work to enhance convenience and efficiency of court processes of B.C.’s court services to meet people’s needs.
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