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Federal, provincial and territorial governments have specific constitutional powers with respect to family law in Canada. The federal Divorce Act generally applies where parents are divorcing. Provincial and territorial laws apply when unmarried parents separate or married parents separate and do not pursue a divorce. These provincial and territorial laws may contain provisions regarding parent-child relationships (parental authority, guardianship, etc.)
Provincial governments are also responsible for establishing the rules of civil procedure and administering court services within their jurisdictions.