Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Fairness in Cross-Examination: Understanding the Rule in Browne v. Dunn

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
This guide explains the rule in Browne v. Dunn, which is important for trial and cross-examination. It helps you understand the rule about challenging statements from the other party or a witness that contradict your own evidence in a family law trial.
Last reviewed August 2026
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Agreements

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
General information about making a separation agreement to cover how you’re going to deal with parenting, property, child and spousal support, and other family issues. Also discusses cohabitation or marriage agreements while you’re living together.
Last reviewed August 2026
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About Mediation

Government of British Columbia
Explains mediation, a process for resolving disputes and an alternative to going to court. It covers when to mediate, what mediators do, choosing a mediator, lawyers and mediation, the process, after mediation, and mediation as legal counsel.
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.

Family Law Guidebooks

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
A series of guidebooks for cases involving a family matter in the Supreme Court of BC — including divorce, separation, dividing family property, child support, spousal support, and parenting issues.
Last reviewed August 2026
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Your Family and the Law

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC (Legal Aid BC)
This page provides information on family law legal issues as they apply to Aboriginal people. Covers caring for children, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, property, and income assistance.
Last reviewed August 2026
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 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 with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Couples Who Aren’t Spouses: Your Income, Support, and Property Rights

People’s Law School
Not all couples who live together meet the definition of “spouse” under BC’s family law. For these couples, learn your entitlement to benefits and what happens if you split up.
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 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