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Family

Find information on family law and abuse published by non-profit organizations, the government, and legal professionals in BC. Each topic includes online guides and tools selected by our librarians.

In this section

Abuse & staying safe

Abuse is never okay. If you feel unsafe or controlled or you’re concerned for someone else, you can get help.
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Children & parenting

Being a parent or guardian means making decisions that are best for your children. Includes information about parenting time and adoption.
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Divorce & separation

If your marriage or common-law relationship is ending, here are resources to help you figure out what to do.
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Marriage & common-law relationships

Explore topics like marriage and co-habitation agreements, name changes, and getting a marriage certificate.
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Spousal & child support & dividing property

Financial stability is important after separation or divorce. Find out about spousal and child support and how property and debt are divided.
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What can we help you find?

Common questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions.

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Legal help in BC

Family duty counsel

Legal Aid BC

Lawyers who help people with low incomes deal with their family law issues, including child protection issues if the MCFD is involved, and if you’re going through a separation or divorce. You might qualify for help from family duty counsel in Provincial or Supreme Court even if you don’t qualify for a legal aid lawyer.

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Family Justice Centres

Government of British Columbia

Family Justice Centres provide services to British Columbians going through separation or divorce. Family Justice Counsellors help families with parenting arrangements, contact with a child, guardianship, and support issues. They provide short-term counselling, mediation, emergency and community referrals, and other free services.

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Rise Women’s Legal Centre

Rise Women’s Legal Centre

Provides free or low-cost legal services to self-identified women. Services are provided by upper-year law students, who are supervised by staff lawyers. Rise offers a range of services, from information and summary advice to unbundled legal services, and in some instances representation in court. Make an appointment online, by phone, or by email.

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Featured guides

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Family Law in BC

Legal Aid BC

Information and self-help guides on family law in BC. Topics covered include abuse, adoption, child protection/removal, common-law relationships, custody and access, divorce and separation, child support, and spousal support.

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JP Boyd on Family Law

John-Paul Boyd, KC

Written in plain language, with rollover definitions for legal words and phrases, this wikibook provides practical, in-depth coverage of family law and divorce law in British Columbia.

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LSLAP Manual: Family Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)

This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It includes an overview of the family law process, as well as the law relating to marriage, common-law relationships, divorce, support, and adoption.

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Find legal help

Discover free or low-cost services that can help you with family law issues and any questions you may have.