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General Information:

The Supreme Court Family Division provides a forum for hearing issues relating to the family including maintenance, custody/access, family violence between spouses or between parent and child and child protection matters. It is also a Youth Court hearing matters that involve young persons aged 12-15 charged under the Young Offenders Act (Canada) or the Young Persons Summary Proceedings Act (Nova Scotia).

The following legislation is under the jurisdiction of and is heard in the Family Division:

Adult Protection Act;
Children and Family Services Act;
Employment of Children's Act;
Family Maintenance Act;
Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act;
Section 172 of the Criminal Code regarding persons who endanger the morals of children;
Section 215 of the Criminal Code regarding people who fail to provide the necessities of life for a spouse or child under the age of 16 years;
Sections 264.1 and 265 of the Criminal Code dealing with threats and common assaults involving husband and wife or parent and child;
Sections 810 and 811 of the Criminal Code dealing with the application of peace bonds and the breach of these bonds;
Sections of the Solemnization of Marriage Act relating to the performance of marriage and to hear applications from persons under the age of 16 desires and permission to marry;
Other Acts and matters that the Governor-in-Council may from time to time approve.

Judges of the Family Division are usually assigned to a particular geographic area. However, each judge has jurisdiction to hold proceedings throughout the Province.

Family Division is administered by the Court Services Division of the Department of Justice through regional Justice Centres which are located in 11 sites across the province.

See - Information kits for representing yourself in the Family DIvision - Supreme Court