Leave to Appeal in BC: When Do You Need It?

Author: SiLaw Group Family Lawyers
Date: Feb 5, 2026
Read time: 5 min read

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Not every BC judgment can be appealed automatically. Some orders — including "limited appeal orders" under the Court of Appeal Act — can only be appealed if a justice of the Court of Appeal first grants you leave (permission). Here is when leave is required and how the application works.

What is a "Leave to Appeal" in the BC Court of Appeal?

Leave to appeal is the permission given by a court that allows a party to challenge a decision. In British Columbia, not all judgments qualify for an automatic appeal. Instead, you may need to seek leave, particularly for decisions coming from lower courts or specific scenarios.

The need for leave to appeal aims to stop pointless or weak appeals from overloading the court system. It ensures that only cases with solid arguments move forward to the appellate court, which is why providing a compelling case matters.

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When is Leave to Appeal Required?

In British Columbia, leave to appeal is generally needed in a few specific situations:

1. Interlocutory and limited appeal orders: Temporary orders made during legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, known as interlocutory orders, often require leave before you can appeal. Under section 13(2) of the Court of Appeal Act, an appeal from a "limited appeal order" may not proceed unless a justice grants leave.

2. Statutory Requirements: Some laws specify that you need leave to appeal certain decisions. For instance, under the Family Law Act, appeals from specific orders may require leave.

Understanding these situations is essential for determining if you need to file a Leave to Appeal in British Columbia.

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The Process of Filing for Leave to Appeal

If you find yourself needing to seek leave to appeal, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Review the Judgment

Carefully examine the judgment you want to appeal. Identify the specific reasons you believe the decision is erroneous. Common grounds for appeal might include:

• Errors in legal interpretation
• Mistakes in fact-finding
• Irregularities in the legal process

For example, if your case involved a miscalculation of financial support, highlight how that affected the judgment.

Step 2: Consult Legal Counsel

It is wise to seek advice from a lawyer with experience in appeals. They can assess the strength of your case and help you prepare the necessary documents for your application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Your application for leave to appeal should include:

• Notice of Application: This document states your intention to seek leave and outlines the grounds for the appeal.

• Affidavit: You may need to submit an affidavit that shares key facts surrounding the case.

• Memorandum of Argument: This can be a vital component of your submission, explaining your legal arguments and why the court should grant leave.

In the BC Court of Appeal, under Rule 13 of the Court of Appeal Rules, a leave to appeal application requires filing a Notice of Application (Form 4) and an application book within 30 days of filing the Notice of Appeal, arguing that the appeal has merit, legal importance, and that refusal would cause significant issues. It focuses on whether the court should hear the case, not the final appeal argument itself.

Key Components of a Leave Argument in a Civil or Family:

• Demonstrate that the appeal is not frivolous and has a reasonable chance of success.

• Explain if the appeal will settle an unsettled area of law or address a significant legal issue.

• Explain why the decision is significant to the parties involved.

• Address whether the appeal will unduly hinder the progress of the underlying action.

• If also seeking a stay of execution, argue that failure to grant it will cause harm that cannot be fixed later.

In criminal matters, the focus is often on whether the grounds of appeal present a question of law or a miscarriage of justice.

Step 4: File the Leave to Appeal Application Book

Once completed, file your Application Book with the appropriate court that you filed the Notice of Appeal in. This can now be done both electronically and in the court office depending if you have access to Court Services Online. Pay close attention to deadlines and rules for document formatting to avoid unnecessary delays in your case. In your Application Book, you are required to include your brief written argument.

If you are the Respondent (the other party on the appeal), then you are required to file a response book for leave to appeal. Under Rule 14 of the Court of Appeal Rules, the response book must be filed and served at least 5 business days before the application hearing date.

Step 5: Attend the Hearing

A hearing before a justice of the Court of Appeal, sitting in chambers, will typically be scheduled for you to present your arguments. Under section 31 of the Court of Appeal Act, the justice may grant or refuse leave to appeal, and may limit the grounds of appeal when granting it. Prepare thoroughly to articulate why leave should be granted and be ready to address questions from the justice.

If leave is granted, a hearing will be scheduled (approx. 90 days).

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What Happens After Leave is Granted?

If the court approves your application for leave to appeal, you can move forward with your appeal. You will have the chance to present your arguments to an appellate court, which will review the lower court's decision.

However, obtaining leave does not mean the appeal will succeed. The appellate court will conduct a thorough evaluation and may choose to uphold, modify, or reverse the original ruling, which is why having a strong case matters.

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What if Leave is Denied?

If the court denies your application for leave to appeal, your options may be limited. While you might explore a reconsideration of the decision in some circumstances, this opportunity is not guaranteed. Consulting with your lawyer is critical to determine the best steps to take next.

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Navigating the Appeal Process

Understanding the process of appealing a judgment in British Columbia can be challenging, especially when it comes to the requirement for Leave to Appeal. By learning about when leave is necessary and following the correct steps, you position yourself more favorably for a successful appeal.

Appeals often arise from family law judgments — for background on the underlying issues, see our guides to the grounds for divorce in British Columbia and the new tort of intimate partner violence recognized in Ahluwalia.

If you feel you have a valid reason to appeal, consulting a qualified legal professional is crucial. At SiLaw Group Family Lawyers & Mediators, we serve White Rock and communities across BC from our Surrey office, and we can provide the guidance you need and help you make informed decisions throughout this complex process. Contact us at (778) 381-9977 to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

We love sharing insights, but please remember this isn't legal advice. Laws vary, so be sure to consult a professional before making any legal decisions.

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