Legal Resources

You may want to change your legal name because you’re getting married, because you’re getting divorced, or just because you feel like it. Learn what’s involved in changing your name.

This fact sheet provides general information about getting a divorce in Canada under the federal Divorce Act. This act applies when at least one spouse has resided in a Canadian province or territory for at least one year before they apply for a divorce.

This page explains your rights and what you’re entitled to if your common-law spouse dies. It outlines the different definitions of “spouse,” and describes what happens if your spouse left a will, or if they died without a will. It also explains pension, survivor, and CPP benefits and custody and guardianship of children.

Provides information to help you register and order certificates for vital events, such as a birth, death, or marriage. Also provides online application for certificates.

Describes contested and uncontested divorces in BC and explains how laws in other countries might affect the process. Also includes step-by-step guides on how to do your own divorce without going to court.

If you and your spouse agree on the issues of parenting, support, and property, there is a fast-track way to get a divorce. You can apply for a “desk-order divorce.”

This resource introduces Indigenous children, girls, and women to community services that provide culturally-appropriate support for safety concerns.

Describes the different forms of domestic violence and links to the help available for victims of domestic violence, including a resource list and help line numbers. Also find tips and resources for people in abusive relationships, information about peace bonds and protection orders, and information about counselling for children.

Provides information about who will move out when a couple separates. Learn your rights when deciding who goes and who stays — and how to enforce the decision. It also covers information about renting. Find out your next steps, and the answers to some common questions.

Explains the help available for children who are victims of crime. This includes agencies that can help and the PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) programs which provide group and individual counselling for children aged three to eighteen.