Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

A Death in Your Family

People’s Law School
For people in BC who want to know what to do when a loved one dies. It covers preparing for the death of a loved one, what to do immediately after the death, making the funeral arrangements, and where to find support.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Public Complaint Procedures

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on administrative law is used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It’s an overview of citizens’ rights, including the right to vote, and sets out the legal avenues available to individuals who believe that a government agency has acted improperly.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Human Rights

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It’s an overview of legislated human rights, the contexts in which those rights operate, and prohibited grounds of discrimination. The complaints process and available remedies are also addressed.
Last reviewed November 2025
First page of help sheet with text in two columns.

Dying Without a Will (Intestacy)

Nidus Registry
Nidus encourages everyone to make a will. However, there are some situations where an individual may be considered not mentally capable to make a will. This fact sheet explains who has legal authority to settle an estate and gives examples of how an estate must be distributed if there is no will.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Applying for a Grant of Administration

People’s Law School
You need to apply for a grant of administration to deal with an estate if the executor does not want to, or if there was no will. The page explains when to apply, what’s involved, the fees, how long it takes, and what to do if your application is rejected. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply (and links to the forms).
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Represent Someone Who Died (Also Known as Probate)

Government of British Columbia
This tool helps people fill out the court forms to apply for a representation grant from the Supreme Court of British Columbia when the deceased didn’t leave a will.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dying Without a Will

People’s Law School
Practical information for when someone dies without a will. Topics include who inherits the deceased’s property, steps to settling the estate, applying for a grant of administration, and more.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Wills and Estates on Reserve

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC (Legal Aid BC)
This website describes how wills and estates on reserve differ from wills and estates off reserve for status Indians who ordinarily lived on reserve at the time of their death. It includes information about what an executor can do for these types of estates.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Permanent Disability Awards

Government of British Columbia
Explains you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits if you had a work-related injury or illness that permanently impacted you or your ability to work. Topics include what to expect when you’re referred to Long Term Disability Services, and how the benefits are calculated.
Last reviewed October 2025
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, with a central illustration of two farmworkers with the slogan "Good Enough to Work, Good Enough to Unionize," promoting the Canadian Farmworkers Union.

A Guide to the Law of Organizing in British Columbia

Leo McGrady, KC
This guide helps employees to organize unions.
Last reviewed October 2025