Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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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 December 2024
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Alternatives to Family Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Understand your alternatives to family court, including different types of mediation and collaborative solutions.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Information for All Types of Cases

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Information about preparing for different types of cases in Provincial Court and appearing in court including tips about dress, food, and electronic devices; legal terms; courtroom layout; and the people you will see in a courthouse.
Last reviewed December 2024
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
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Apply for a Family Law Act Order

Government of British Columbia
Helps you fill out forms for family orders in Provincial Court. These include protection orders, and orders for parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship, and spousal support. You can file the printed-out forms at a court registry, or e-file from this website.
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Parenting after Separation for Indigenous Families (course)

Government of British Columbia
This free online course is for parents and family members who identify as Indigenous or have children who identify as Indigenous. It helps parents and family members make decisions about caring for their children after separation or divorce. Learn about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, spousal and child support, and using mediation.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Parenting after Separation (PAS) Courses

Government of British Columbia
PAS is a free online three-hour course for parents and others who are going through separation or divorce. It helps ensure that your decisions are being made in the best interest of the children. The course may be required if you’re involved with the court. Offered in Punjabi and English and for Indigenous families.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Parenting after Separation (course)

Government of British Columbia
This free online course (offered in English and Punjabi) helps parents and family members make decisions about caring for their children after separation or divorce. Learn about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, spousal and child support, and resolving disputes with the help of a mediator.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Family Justice Counsellors in British Columbia

Government of British Columbia
A 10-minute video describing what justice counsellors do. They work in Family Justice Centres located in communities across the province to help those going through separation or divorce.
Last reviewed November 2024