Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Parenting & Guardianship

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes who is a parent, how to become a guardian, and the responsibilities of parents and guardians after separation. Also explains the rights of the child, parents, stepparents, and other relatives.
Last reviewed August 2026
Cover of the booklet with the title and a photo of a mother holding a young child. The YWCA logo is at the bottom.

Mothers Without Status

YWCA Vancouver
This booklet is for service providers assisting “mothers without status” — women who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents. It gives an overview of the issues they face and options they can take. It includes information on where to get help.
Last reviewed August 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: Family Law Agreements

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of family law agreements and covers cohabitation agreements, marriage agreements, and separation agreements in more detail, with additional information about enforcing and changing agreements.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Provincial Court Remote Proceedings

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Tips to help you prepare to attend a remote Provincial Court proceeding.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

EI Maternity and Parental Benefits

Government of Canada
Explains who is eligible, how to apply, how much you could receive, and how long benefits last.
Last reviewed August 2026
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Preparing Financial Documents

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Information about financial statements in family court, including how they’re used in court, and details about filing and copying.
Last reviewed August 2026
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Family Management Conference

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains the family management conference, which is your first appearance in provincial family court when you or your ex-spouse has filed an application for an order.
Last reviewed August 2026
Emblem featuring a detailed coat of arms with a lion and a unicorn flanking a shield.

Bringing a Support Person to Family Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Many self-represented litigants find that having a trusted friend or family member with them to provide emotional support, take notes, and organize documents can be a big help. The BC Provincial Court recognizes this, and they’ve adopted guidelines to make it easier to bring a support person to provincial family court.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Schedule and Prepare for Your Supreme Court Trial

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
A step-by-step guide that helps you getting ready for your Supreme Court family law trial. Includes scheduling a trial, attending a Trial Management Conference, and filing and serving the necessary documents.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Trials in Provincial Court

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information about getting ready for a family law trial in Provincial Court, including what happens at a trial, how the courtroom is set up, how evidence is presented, and what goes in a trial book.
Last reviewed August 2026