The following notice has been received from the New Westminster Law Courts:
We would like to advise you of an upcoming change to the queuing process at the New Westminster Court Registry, which is anticipated to come into effect at the end of August.
The Registry will be transitioning from the current "take-a-number" system to a digital queuing platform. Visitors will be able to join the queue by scanning a QR code upon arrival. The system will provide an estimated wait time and will notify individuals when it is their turn to be served, allowing greater flexibility to step away from the Registry while maintaining their place in line.
During the implementation period, a staff member will be available at the counter to assist individuals who may have difficulty accessing the system, including those who do not have a mobile device.
The new queuing system will be used for the following service counters:
- - Supreme Court Civil/Family/Divorce/Probate/Adoption
- - File and Search
- - Provincial Family
- - Small Claims
- - Criminal and Traffic
Please note that this change will not affect the Business Counter. Filing agents and counsel attending court on the same day will continue to access that counter directly and will not be required to enter the digital queue.
As part of the new system, users may be asked to identify the nature of their visit in the section that allows you to “tell us briefly about your visit”, and you may wish to indicate if the documents you have are complete and ready for filing. This information will assist Registry staff in managing service demands and directing resources as efficiently as possible.
We look forward to launching this new process to provide more timely, effective counter service and an improved client experience.
Litigants in Small Claims and Family Law Act cases in the Provincial Court who cannot meet filing or other deadlines because of the BC wildfires can request an extension.
See Full Article here.
Names and search: 5 business days. All other filings: 10 business days.
For requests requiring a specific certified or filing date, please submit:
- Certified - 6 or more business days in advance of the date you require
- Filings – 11 or more business days in advance of the date you require
Results for requests without a specified date may come out sooner than the stated priority processing times, depending on staffing and volume, but the registry advises that requests will not be moved up the queue in order to meet a deadline.
These documents reflect legislative changes to the Supreme Court Family Rules and prescribed Family Forms, made by Order in Council 432 and effective January 19, 2026. They consolidate repealed practice directions, identify amended rules and forms, and introduce new forms required for family proceedings going forward.
OIC 432- Change to Family Forms Effective Jan 19, 2026
Changes to Family Forms Effective Jan 19, 2026 - Detailed List
Beginning Monday June 30, 2025, the Commercial Liens Act and Personal Property Security Regulation amendments take effect.
- Commercial Liens Act (CLA) reforms and consolidates British Columbia’s law for liens that secure payment on repaired, stored, and transported goods, replacing the Repairers Lien Act, Warehouse Lien Act, and Livestock Lien Act.
- Personal Property Security Regulation (PPSR) amendments define Commercial Lien registration terms and requirements.
Note: The CLA does not apply to liens under the Forestry Service Providers Protection Act.
Changes within the Personal Property Registry
A new Commercial Lien registration will replace the Repairers Lien registration. This means that:
- Beginning June 30, 2025, no new Repairers Lien registrations may be added to the Personal Property Registry.
- A Repairers Lien registered before June 30, 2025 will be effective for the remainder of the registration period. No further action is required.
- You may renew, amend, or discharge a Repairers Lien as a Commercial Lien under the CLA.
Commercial Lien registration versus Repairers Lien registration
- Commercial Lien registration length may be from 1 to 25 years or infinity instead of being a fixed 180-day period
- A court order is not required for renewal
- Collateral may include serial numbered goods and general collateral
- Serial numbered goods may include a manufactured home
- All debtor, secured party and collateral data may be amended
- Surrender Date and Lien Amount are not available except as read-only historical information from a Repairers Lien