Self-represented litigants can now use a support person during small claims or family court proceedings in B.C. provincial court.
Guidelines were released Tuesday.
"We know that going to court can be an intimidating experience, especially if you're presenting your case on your own, without a lawyer," Chief Judge Thomas Crabtree said in a statement.
"Self-represented litigants say having someone attend court with them to provide emotional support, take notes, organize documents, and make quiet suggestions is an important aspect of access to justice."
It requires the permission of the judge and usually only where the opposing party agrees.
And it cannot be someone who may be a witness in the hearing or trial or is paid for their services.
The support person sits beside the litigant at the front of the courtroom to quietly help during a small claims settlement or trial conference or a family case conference.
Judge will still have the discretion to disallow a support person if the presence would be disruptive or unfair.
More information can be found at www.provincialcourt.bc.ca under the news section on the home page.
