Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Dial-a-Law: Committeeship

People’s Law School
Provides information about committee — a last resort option when someone becomes mentally incapable. It explains the types and responsibilities of committees. Other topics include how committeeship works, how committees are appointed, and how to apply to become a committee.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Challenging Your Spouse or Parent’s Will

People’s Law School
If you think your spouse or parent didn’t leave you enough, you can ask the court to rewrite the will so you receive a larger share. This page explains who can bring a wills variation claim, and explains the steps to take if you want to challenge the will.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Challenging the Validity of a Will

People’s Law School
This guide can help you if you believe a will does not accurately represent the true intentions of the deceased.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Challenging a Will

People’s Law School
Practical information on your options for challenging a will. Topics include what’s involved in challenging a spouse’s or parent’s will based on fairness, and challenging the validity of a will.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Being an Executor

People’s Law School
This is a booklet for people who have been appointed as executor in a will. It covers the steps involved in dealing with an estate in British Columbia after a person dies, including how to probate a will. The information is current to March 2019.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Funeral Costs (help from the BC government)

Government of British Columbia
Outlines what funeral costs can be covered by the ministry if there are no other resources available. It describes who is eligible to apply and how to make the arrangements.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Advance Care Planning

Government of British Columbia
Advance care planning involves thinking about your health care preferences and letting your family, friends, and health care providers know. An Advance Care Plan documents your wishes for future treatment if you can’t express them yourself as well as who will take care of your personal and financial matters. Includes a downloadable PDF guide.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Adults and Consent to Health Care

People’s Law School
Generally speaking, adults can only be given health care with their consent. This resource explains consent, and the exceptions to this general rule, including what happens when someone is mentally incapable.
Last reviewed November 2025
Thumbnail of the brochure cover with a photo of an older Indigenous man holding a bowl with a smoking bundle of herbs.

Aboriginal Health Advance Care Planning: Respecting Aboriginal Ceremonies and Rites

Government of British Columbia
This brochure tells you about advance care planning from the Aboriginal perspective and why it's important.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

A Planning Primer

People’s Law School
Essential information you should know when preparing for your future. Learn your options for planning for your future financial, legal, health care, and personal care needs.
Last reviewed November 2025