Information For Legal Professionals

Recent Notices

March 6, 2023 - An updated version of the official consolidated Civil Procedure Rules that incorporates the amendments approved on Nov. 30, 2022, is now available online. MORE >>

March 3, 2023 - The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has updated the pre-trial conference form for criminal matters. MORE >>

Feb. 24, 2023 - The Sydney courthouse will reopen to the public on Monday, Feb. 27; 2023; however, some access will continue to be restricted while repairs continue in the building. MORE >>

Feb. 16, 2023 - The Sydney courthouse will be closed for another week. During that time, court matters are being heard virtually or in other locations. MORE >>

Feb. 8, 2023 - The Nova Scotia Courts have made alternative arrangements for filing court documents and hearing matters while the Sydney courthouse is closed due to flooding. MORE >>

Jan. 16, 2023 - The Prothonotary has published her latest edition of "Hints & Tips" for the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. MORE >>

Jan. 11, 2023 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has approved new Practice Directives that affect electronic filing of appeal documents and appearances in that Court. MORE >>

Dec. 28, 2022 - The Halifax Free Legal Clinic is seeking volunteers for the upcoming winter session. MORE >>

Dec. 15, 2022 - The Long Trial Intake Schedule for Courtroom 6 in Halifax Provincial Court is now available for January to June 2023. MORE >>

Dec. 8, 2022 - Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Family Division) is introducing changes for filing in Annapolis Royal. MORE >>

Dec. 7, 2022 - Courthouses across Nova Scotia will be closed for several days over the upcoming holiday season. MORE >>

Nov. 29, 2022 - The Supreme Court has approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules updating references to Her Majesty the Queen. MORE >>

Nov. 28, 2022 - The Supreme Court (Family Division) is hosting an information session on the role of litigation guardians. MORE >>

Nov. 14, 2022 - To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, masking in public areas of Nova Scotia courthouses will continue until further notice. MORE >>

Sept. 20, 2022 - The underground parking lot at the Halifax Law Courts will be closed for safety reasons until further notice. MORE >>

Sept. 14, 2022 - The Nova Scotia Courts will not sit on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, due to the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. MORE >>

Sept. 12, 2022 - The Nova Scotia Courts have provided guidance on how to describe the Crown in court documents, following the passing of the Queen. MORE >>

Sept. 8, 2022 - A consolidated version of the Civil Procedure Rules that incorporates the amendments approved on June 24, 2022, is now available online. MORE >>

Sept. 1, 2022 - The courthouse in Shelburne will be temporarily closed to the public until Sept. 12 to facilitate maintenance. During that time, the Shelburne Provincial and Supreme Courts will continue to hear matters virtually by telephone and video. MORE >>

Aug. 24, 2022 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has provided an update on the format for appeal hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic. MORE >>

Aug. 24, 2022 - The Halifax Free Legal Clinic is looking for lawyers to volunteer during the 2022 Fall session. MORE >>

Aug. 2, 2022 - The Judges of the Supreme Court have approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules related to expert opinions. MORE >>

July 8, 2022 - The Provincial Court has updated the process for peace bonds that was implemented at the start of the pandemic. MORE >>

June 30, 2022 - The Judges of the Supreme Court have approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules of Nova Scotia. MORE >>

June 10, 2022 - The Nova Scotia Courts will start easing COVID-19 restrictions, with some exceptions in the Provincial Court, effective June 15. MORE >>

May 25, 2022 - The Halifax Free Legal Clinic is looking for lawyers to volunteer during the 2022 Spring/Summer session. MORE >>

May 11, 2022 - The Prothonotary has published her latest edition of "Hints & Tips" for the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. MORE >>

March 24, 2022 - Effective April 1, 2022, the Provincial Court will lift the suspension of fine payments for summary offence convictions. MORE >>

March 23, 2022 - The Supreme Court of NS is ending the temporary accommodations that allowed for personal service by email and virtual affidavits, effective April 4. MORE >>

March 18, 2022 - The Nova Scotia Courts are maintaining the current COVID-19 restrictions, with some expanded capacity for in-person attendance. MORE >>

March 14, 2022 - The Provincial Court has formalized a process for appointing counsel for cross-examination in matters involving self-represented individuals. MORE >>

Feb. 28, 2022 - Apply now to work as a clerk with the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2022. MORE >>

Feb. 22, 2022 - The All Courts COVID-19 Recovery Committee has advised that the operational guidelines for court participants from outside Nova Scotia are no longer required. MORE >>

Feb. 9, 2022 - The Supreme Court (General and Family Divisions) will return to a safe services model, effective Feb. 14, 2022. MORE >>

Feb. 9, 2022 - The Provincial Court will allow some trials & sentencing hearings to proceed in person, effective Feb. 14, 2022. MORE >>

Feb. 1, 2022 - The Provincial Court has updated its process for dealing with individuals in police custody during the COVID-19 pandemic. MORE >>

Jan. 26, 2022 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has extended the suspension of jury trials across the province until Feb. 11, 2022. MORE >>

Jan. 26, 2022 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia is extending the modified essential services model currently in place until Feb. 11, 2022. MORE >>

Jan. 25, 2022 - The Provincial Court has extended the suspension of most in-person proceedings until Feb. 11. MORE >>

Jan. 19, 2022 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia is extending the modified essential services model currently in place until Jan. 31, 2022. MORE >>

Jan. 14, 2022 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has extended the suspension of jury trials across the province until Jan. 31, 2022. MORE >>

Jan. 13, 2022 - The Provincial Court has extended the suspension of most in-person proceedings until Jan. 28. MORE >>

Jan. 10, 2022 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia is extending the modified essential services model currently in place until Jan. 21, 2022. MORE >>

2021

Dec. 31, 2021 - The Provincial Court is suspending most in-person proceedings, effective Jan. 4, 2022, until Jan. 14, 2022. MORE >>

Dec. 29, 2021 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia is extending the modified essential services model currently in place until Jan. 14, 2022. MORE >>

Dec. 28, 2021 - Due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia is suspending all jury trials until Jan. 17, 2022. MORE >>

Dec. 20, 2021 - Apply now to work as a clerk with the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. The deadline for applications is March 11, 2022. MORE >>

Dec. 17, 2021 - Supreme Court adopting a modified essential services model until Jan, 4, 2022. MORE >>

Dec. 16, 2021 - All Courts COVID-19 Recovery Committee recommends returning to two-metre physical distancing in all courthouses & courtrooms. MORE >>

Dec. 1, 2021 - Effective Jan. 1, 2022, all family law matters in Nova Scotia trial courts will be dealt with as per Rule 59 of the Civil Procedure Rules. MORE >>

Nov. 10, 2021 - The Long Trial Intake Schedule for January to June 2022 in Courtroom #6 at Halifax Provincial Court is now available. MORE >>

Nov. 4, 2021 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has updated its instructions for electronic filing of appeal documents. MORE >>

Oct. 1, 2021 - The current COVID-19 restrictions for the Nova Scotia Courts will remain in place in Phase 5 of the Province's reopening. MORE >>

Sept. 16, 2021 - The Nova Scotia Courts will not sit on Sept. 30 in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. MORE >>

Aug. 16, 2021 - The Supreme Court has launched a pilot project to improve access to civil settlement conferences in Halifax. MORE >>

Aug. 3, 2021 - An updated consolidated version of the Civil Procedure Rules incorporating the amendments approved on June 25, 2021, is now available online. MORE >>

July 15, 2021 - Counsel & others participating in a virtual proceeding in the Supreme Court are reminded to connect from a quiet, private space. MORE >>

July 7, 2021 - The Supreme Court judges have approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and related court forms. MORE >>

June 24, 2021 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has issued guidance on how Judges of that Court should be addressed. MORE >>

June 23, 2021 - The Prothonotary has published her latest edition of "Hints & Tips" for the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. MORE >>

June 21, 2021 - Changes are coming to how the Rules and directives of the Nova Scotia Courts are displayed on the Courts' website. MORE >>

June 10, 2021 - The Kentville Family Court on Exhibition Street has relocated all administrative functions to the Kentville Law Courts  MORE >>

June 8, 2021 - The Long Trial Intake Schedule for Courtroom 6 in Halifax Provincial Court is now available for July to December 2021. MORE >>

June 7, 2021 - Effective June 14, the Provincial Court will allow in-person proceedings, provided they can be held in accordance with Public Health directives. MORE >>

June 1, 2021 - The Supreme Court (General Division) is returning to a safe services model in all locations, effective June 7, 2021. MORE >>

May 27, 2021 - The All Courts Recovery Committee is now recommending that disposable medical masks be worn at all times in the courtroom. MORE >>

May 21, 2021 - The Provincial Court has extended the suspension of in-person proceedings across NS until at least June 11. MORE >>

May 13, 2021 - The Supreme Court (General Division) is expanding the services available under an essential services model. MORE >>

May 12, 2021 - The Provincial Court has extended the suspension of in-person proceedings across Nova Scotia until at least May 31. MORE>>

May 5, 2021 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal is reminding counsel of its Practice Directive for proceedings held during the pandemic. MORE >>

May 4, 2021 - The Supreme Court will now permit virtual judicial settlement conferences for non-urgent matters during lockdown. MORE >>

April 29, 2021 - The Nova Scotia Courts are moving to Microsoft Teams for virtual court proceedings. MORE >>

April 28, 2021 - The Supreme Court (General Division) is adopting an essential services model in all areas, effective April 29. MORE >>

April 26, 2021 - The Provincial Court is suspending in-person appearances across the province. Some judges may still require attendance for contested bail hearings. MORE >>

April 7, 2021 - An updated consolidated version of the Civil Procedure Rules, which incorporates the amendments approved Feb. 25, 2021, is now available online. MORE >>

March 9, 2021 - The updated and new court forms related to divorce proceedings in Nova Scotia are now available in Microsoft Word format on the Courts' website. MORE >>

March 5, 2021 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has updated its Practice Directive for proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic. MORE >>

March 1, 2021 - Changes to the federal Divorce Act go into effect today. Learn more about the impact on court rules & forms in Nova Scotia. MORE >>

Feb. 25, 2021 - An updated consolidated version of the Civil Procedure Rules, which incorporates the amendments approved Dec. 11, 2020, is now available online. MORE >>

Feb. 23, 2021 - The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has approved a new Practice Memorandum outlining the protocol for multijurisdictional class actions and the provision of class action notices. MORE >>

Jan. 22, 2021 - The Prothonotary has published her latest edition of "Hints & Tips" for the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. MORE >>

Jan. 13, 2021 - The Judges of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia have approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules. MORE >>

Jan. 11, 2021 - There is a new Prothonotary filling in at the Law Courts in Halifax while a competition is underway to fill a one-year job posting in the Prothonotary's Office. MORE >>

2020

Dec. 3, 2020 - Counsel looking to have someone from outside NS attend a Provincial Court matter in person must get permission beforehand from the presiding judge. MORE >>

Dec. 2, 2020 - The Nova Scotia Courts have updated the COVID-19 screening process for anyone visiting a courthouse in the province. MORE >>

Nov. 9, 2020 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has updated its Practice Directive for proceedings held during the COVID-19 pandemic. MORE >>

Nov. 6, 2020 - The Long Trial Intake Schedule for Courtroom #6 in Provincial Court in Halifax is now available. This schedule covers the period between January and June 2021. READ/PRINT SCHEDULE >>

Nov. 4, 2020 - Effective Nov. 16, all Motions for Directions scheduled in Halifax Supreme Court will be held in-person, unless otherwise noted by the judge. MORE >>

Oct. 23, 2020 - Any non-essential court participants are reminded they must get advance permission to attend a hearing in person. MORE >>

July 13, 2020 - Legal and IT professionals are invited to a Skype for Business open house to learn more about the Nova Scotia Courts' current virtual court setup and what is planned for remote hearings in the coming months. MORE >>

July 10, 2020 - The Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Family Division) is hosting training for its E-Court pilot project. LEARN MORE >>

June 16, 2020 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has updated its instructions for filing electronic documents with the Court. MORE >>

June 15, 2020 - The updated version of the consolidated Civil Procedure Rules are now available in French. MORE >>

March 4, 2020 - The Long Trial Intake Schedule for Courtroom #6 in Provincial Court in Halifax is now available. This schedule covers the period between July and December 2020. READ/PRINT SCHEDULE >>

Feb. 28, 2020 - The Prothonotary has published her latest edition of "Hints & Tips" for the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. READ IT HERE >>

Feb. 27, 2020 - The Judges of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court have approved an amendment to the Civil Procedure Rules related to the Unified Family Court. MORE >>

Feb. 7, 2020 - The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has approved various amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and related court forms. MORE >>

Jan. 22, 2020 - The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has approved an amendment to Rule 91 of the Civil Procedure Rules of Nova Scotia. MORE >>

For Notices to the Bar prior to 2020, please contact the COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR >>

Family Law Practice Tips For Practitioners

These memoranda were prepared by Justice Doug Campbell of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court - Family Division. Justice Campbell presided in the Supreme Court Family Division for more than 15 years. He was also a senior Family Law Practitioner in Halifax when he was appointed to the Bench.

These practice tips are intended to help Family Law Practitioners who appear in the Supreme Court throughout the Province. They may also be of help to litigants who are representing themselves in the Court.

They represent Justice Campbell's personal viewpoint and may or may not require some adjustment to conform to the preferences or practices of individual Judges. Use them at your own discretion and subject to your own judgment.

Hints and Tips from the Nova Scotia Prothonotary/Registrar

Any questions regarding the notices listed on this page should be addressed to the Prothonotary/Registrar:
E-MAIL THE PROTHONOTARY/REGISTRAR >>