Since the province-wide expansion of the Supreme Court (Family Division), Nova Scotia family matters are handled through a unified court model. Older references to Family Court remain common in search and older materials, but current family proceedings are dealt with through the Supreme Court (Family Division) under Rule 59 and related rules.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Supreme Court (Family Division)
The Family Division deals with divorce, parenting, support, property, adoption, child protection and related family matters across Nova Scotia.
- unified family court
- court locations
- judges and court officers
Rule 59
Rule 59 provides the procedural framework for many Family Division proceedings.
- notice of application
- petition for divorce
- variation application
Court forms and statements
Family proceedings use official forms plus parenting, income, expense and property statements depending on the relief sought.
- parenting statement
- financial statements
- interim-relief forms
Conciliation and case management
Court officers can help identify issues, ensure documents are filed and direct cases toward settlement or adjudication.
- conciliation
- disclosure
- scheduling
Hearings and orders
Unresolved matters can proceed to motions, conferences, hearings or trials and result in interim or final orders.
- interim order
- consent order
- final order
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Courts — Supreme Court (Family Division)
- Nova Scotia Courts — Rule 59 Forms
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Unified Family Court