Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Extended Family Program

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC (Legal Aid BC)
Provides information about the Extended Family Program. Under the program, parents who are temporarily unable to care for their children can ask to have their children placed in the care of family or friends, instead of having them go into foster care.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Child Support for Children over the Age of Majority

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA’s procedures for collecting child support for children over 19. It outlines conditions under which support may continue, such as the child attending school or having a disability.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Collection Actions

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
Lists the actions the BCFMA can take if the payor of child support falls behind on payments, such as garnishing wages or cancelling their driver’s licence.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Enforcing Orders Outside BC

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
How the BCFMA can help with collecting child support if the person paying child support lives outside BC.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Enforcing Support Orders and Agreements

People’s Law School
Unfortunately, some parties who owe child support or spousal support fail to make their payments. Learn the steps to take to enforce payments owed under a support order or agreement.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Divorced or Separated: Splitting Canada Pension Plan Credits

Government of Canada
Explains how Canada Pension Plan pension credits built up during the time a couple lived together can be split equally between them upon divorce or separation. It also outlines how to request “credit splitting.”
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Marriage Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements

People’s Law School
A marriage or cohabitation agreement can set out how couples will deal with issues that come up if their relationship ends, but also with issues during the relationship such as property and debts. This page talks about what an agreement covers and doesn’t cover, legal requirements, and how to change one.
Last reviewed September 2026
Emblem featuring a detailed coat of arms with a lion and a unicorn flanking a shield.

Courtroom Basics

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This page will help you learn basic information about courtrooms, court procedures, and common legal words.
Last reviewed September 2026
Emblem featuring a detailed coat of arms with a lion and a unicorn flanking a shield.

Participating Remotely

Provincial Court of British Columbia
General guidance for appearing in court by computer or phone without having to physically be in the courthouse. This applies to small claims court, provincial family court, and some criminal bail hearings.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo consists of four coloured shapes forming a square, with the organization name to the right.

Questions and Answers About Pension Division on the Breakdown of a Relationship in British Columbia

British Columbia Law Institute
This resource answers technical questions about pension division after the breakdown of a relationship in British Columbia.
Last reviewed September 2026