Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and Legal Aid BC and West Coast LEAF logos, illustrated with a horizontal image of a road with double yellow lines.

Separation Agreements: Your Rights and Options

West Coast LEAF
Explains the law about fair division of family property or debt when spouses separate, and what you can do if you believe your agreement is unfair. It explains how to prepare a financial statement for court, how to manage your case and work with a lawyer, and where to get free legal help.
Last reviewed September 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: How Do I Get My Certificate of Divorce?

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This page explains why and how to obtain your divorce certificate.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

What Is “Collaborative Family Law”?

Government of British Columbia
Explains the collaborative family law process, where you and your spouse each hire a lawyer who practises collaborative family law with the goal of settling your case fairly, without going to court. It provides links to finding a collaborative family lawyer, and to other resources for legal help and advice.
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: Responding to Divorce Proceedings

People’s Law School
Explains divorce proceedings in BC. If a divorce proceeding has been started against you, you can do nothing or respond. It explains that a notice of family claim starts a divorce proceeding, and what you need to do if you don’t agree with the notice of family claim.
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: Requirements for Divorce and Annulment

People’s Law School
Explains what you need if you want to get a divorce or annulment. Topics covered include divorce, the grounds for getting a divorce, and starting proceedings. It explains when the court will not grant a divorce, and explains annulment.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Provincial Family Forms

Government of British Columbia
Helps you fill out Provincial Court family forms. Watch a video about how the online service works, and a tutorial video on how to use the online service. There are links to all the downloadable PDF forms, with tips for filling them out. There are also links to provincial family forms without guidebooks, and links to the relevant acts.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Online Divorce Assistant Application (e-Divorce App)

Government of British Columbia
This online app helps people complete documentation for joint-filing divorces in the Supreme Court of BC in cases with or without children. Joint-filed divorces are where both applicants agree on all family law issues relevant to their situation, such as spousal support and the division of property.
Last reviewed September 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: How Do I Change My Name after Marriage or Divorce?

John-Paul Boyd, KC
Explains the differences between using an alias and legally changing your name, if you have to apply to the court to change your name when you marry or divorce, and the steps for doing so.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Legal Changes of Name

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Provides information on how to legally change your name.
Last reviewed September 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)
Moving to a new country can be challenging. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.
Last reviewed September 2026