A new resource on family law for newcomers is now available from the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB). From left: Clea Ward, president of PLEIS-NB; Deborah Doherty, executive director of PLEIS-NB; deputy premier Stephen Horsman; and Sylvie Nadeau, executive director of the New Brunswick Public Library Service.
Handbook on family law for newcomers launched
A new resource on family law for newcomers is now available from the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB). Family Law and Immigrants: A Handbook on Family Law Issues in New Brunswick was officially launched today at the Fredericton Public Library.
“Your government is committed to ensuring newcomers feel welcome and safe in their new communities,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. “This new resource on family law for immigrants will serve as a helpful guide for families settling in our province who have questions about these issues, as well as those who provide important services for these families.”
The 52-page guide covers a range of subjects including marriage and common-law relationships, separation and divorce, custody and support, and division of property. The handbook also includes a discussion of issues that may arise in particular social and cultural contexts, as well as a list of resources and contacts. The project was supported by Justice Canada’s Supporting Families Fund.
“One of the ways in which PLEIS-NB can help newcomers is to make law information available in accurate and relevant formats,” said the service’s executive director, Deborah Doherty. “As we explored this need, we were pleased by the tremendous support offered by members of the legal community, multicultural groups and community organizations.”
The handbook is available in both official languages. It is a more detailed companion to the Family Law Matters for Immigrants booklet released last year.
The handbook has been distributed around the province as a resource for multicultural organizations that work with newcomers. It has also been shared with the Legal Aid offices, Family Division courts and other venues where people are likely to seek information about family law issues. In addition, it can be found in every New Brunswick public library.
PLEIS-NB is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate and inform the public about the law. It receives funding and in-kind support from Justice Canada, the New Brunswick Law Foundation and the Office of the Attorney General.
A copy of the handbook may be obtained by emailing info@familylawnb.ca. It is also available online.
