The Supreme Court (Family Division) is a unified family court that deals with all family law matters, including:
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divorce
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adoptions
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child protection and adult protection
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property and pension issues
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parenting arrangements (decision-making responsibility and parenting time and contact time), and
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child support and spousal support.
The Family Division has been expanded to all areas of the province.
Prior to the unification of the Family Division, family law matters (in all areas of the province except Halifax, Sydney and Port Hawkesbury), excluding divorce and the division of property, were heard in the Family Court of Nova Scotia. Matters relating to divorce and division of property were heard in the Supreme Court.
The Family Division operates using the Nova Scotia Civil Procedure Rules. These Rules govern processes in the Supreme Court and are determined by the Justices of the Supreme Court.
The judges of the Supreme Court (Family Division) are called ‘justices,’ and are appointed by the Federal Government. In court, they are addressed as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady.’
To contact the Court in your area, click here.