Eligible clients can now receive up to double the amount of family-related legal advice through an over-the-phone service offered by the provincial government.
Under a pilot project unveiled this week by Justice Minister Suzanne Anton, the Family LawLINE will now offer up to six hours with the same lawyer for a single issue related to family law.
Previously, it offered three hours in total with no continuity of service for the same lawyer.
The service is aimed at low-income people who live in remote areas and are unable to access existing in-person services, although people from more populated centres are also allowed to use the service.
The service can be reached by calling toll free 1-866-577-2525, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
An intake worker will ask you questions about your financial situation and your legal issue. If you qualify, you'll be transferred to an available Family LawLINE lawyer.
More information can be found online at www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/help/who_telephoneAdviceLine.php.
There is a Family Justice Centre in Prince George at the Plaza 400 building downtown (471-1011 Fourth Ave.). It's staffed with accredited counsellors who can help parents resolve disagreements without going to court.
They provide short-term counselling, mediation, emergency and community referrals and other free services. The centre can be reached by calling 250-565-4222.
