Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Do You Need to Go to Provincial (Family) Court or Supreme Court?

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
This page includes information about which court you can go to get a court order.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Working with a Lawyer (family law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This resource explains ways that you may be able to hire a lawyer for your family law case in a way that meets your needs and budget.
Last reviewed August 2026
The logo consists of the letters "bwss" in an italic font, in black, with curved black lines swooping round the upper left and lower right. Below this are the words "BATTERED WOMEN'S" in black, with the word "WOMEN'S" in a bold font. Below this are the words "SUPPORT SERVICES" in black, with the word "SUPPORT" in a bold font.

Planning for Safety in Abusive Relationships

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
Safety plans can be an important part of leaving an abusive relationship. Use the interactive planning guide, or print out the PDF to create a personalized plan. Also includes plans for safety plans during pregnancy, relationships with children or pets, and safety plans for transwomen.
Last reviewed August 2026
Rise logo with organization name and bird icon.

AI for Unrepresented Parties : Minimizing Risk

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Helps you understand and minimize the risks of using AI for obtaining legal information, legal advice, and legal drafting. This guide is written for individuals representing themselves, as well as family law advocates and support workers assisting them.
Last reviewed August 2026
Emblem featuring a detailed coat of arms with a lion and a unicorn flanking a shield.

Types of Family Matters Dealt with in Provincial Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.
Last reviewed July 2026
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Apply for a Family Law Act Order

Government of British Columbia
Helps you fill out forms for family orders in Provincial Court. These include protection orders, and orders for parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship, and spousal support. You can file the printed-out forms at a court registry, or e-file from this website.
Last reviewed July 2026
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Is It Abuse?

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes how to spot types of abuse and family violence in different harmful or controlling behaviours (whether it’s happening to you or someone you know).
Last reviewed July 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a design with a heart and a teardrop shape, partially overlapping. There is a silhouette of an elderly person sitting on a bench, with birds flying around.

Elder Abuse Is Wrong

Government of Canada
This booklet is for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust — it could be a partner or spouse, a family member, a caregiver, a service provider or another individual. This kind of abuse of intimacy or trust is wrong.
Last reviewed July 2026
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When You Weren’t Expecting: A Legal Guide for People with Unexpected Pregnancies

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Provides legal information for people who are unexpectedly pregnant outside of a long-term relationship. It’s not written for those who are in a long-term relationship or expect to be in a relationship with the other person while pregnant and after the child is born.
Last reviewed July 2026
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, with a scenic photograph of a mountainous landscape with a path running through a lush green valley.

JP Boyd on Family Law: How Do I Make a Priority Parenting Matter Application?

John-Paul Boyd, KC
Explains issues that count as priority parenting matters and how to make an application in the Provincial Court. Priority parenting matters include urgent health decisions for a child, immediate needs for a passport, a child’s upcoming travel or activity, or issues relating to relocation or removal of a child.
Last reviewed July 2026