Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Front cover of booklet with illustrations of various families: a mother and two sons, a same-sex couple, and parents with a baby and a young child.

Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce

Legal Aid BC
Explains the basics of family law in BC. Includes information about why you might want an agreement for living together, and how to write one; what to do if you decide to separate or divorce; how to sort out money matters and work out parenting arrangements; and how the court process works.
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.

Costs and Expenses

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information about costs and expenses related to going to Provincial or Supreme Court for a family law issue.
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.

Separation and Divorce

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook has general information about separating and getting a divorce. It is intended for separating couples who can reach an agreement without a trial, and also to those who require a judge to settle a disputes.
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.

Starting a Family Law Claim

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook can help you learn about how to start or respond to a family law proceeding in the BC Supreme Court.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Children’s Rights

People’s Law School
The legal rights of children vary from those of adults. Learn the rights of children in several contexts, and situations where their views are considered in decisions that affect them.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Adoption of a Child

People’s Law School
Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption.
Last reviewed August 2026
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Getting Ready for Family Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This guide to a family court trial in BC Provincial Court covers whether it’s the correct court for your legal issue, if you can attend court by phone or videoconference, resources to help you with family disputes, and definitions for some legal words used in court.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Births (registration and certificates)

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Information about birth registration services and birth certificates.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Adoptions

Government of British Columbia
Provides information about adoption options available in BC. Includes how to adopt a child, placing your child for adoption, how to access adoption records, and reunion services.
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.

Adoption

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Explains the different types of adoption in BC, and where to find out more about applying.
Last reviewed August 2026