Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with "Plan Institute" and three overlapping green circles to the right, and the words “for caring citizenship” below.

RDSP: How Do I Qualify? (a step-by-step guide)

Plan Institute
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. This guide is intended to help you complete each of the steps needed to (1) become eligible for an RDSP, (2) open an RDSP, and (3) manage your money.
Last reviewed January 2026
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Taxes and Benefits for Indigenous Peoples

Canada Revenue Agency
This website has information about tax benefits and requirements that apply to Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are subject to the same tax rules as other Canadian residents unless their income is eligible for the tax exemption under section 87 of the Indian Act.
Last reviewed January 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.

Responding to an Action (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook will help you defend a lawsuit started against you in BC Supreme Court. Defending a lawsuit is complicated and time consuming, and the consequences of doing things late or incorrectly may be serious. Features sample forms, including a response to civil claim and a counterclaim.
Last reviewed January 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dealing with a Death

People’s Law School
Practical steps to help you and your family deal with a death of a loved one. Learn how you can prepare for a death in the family, what you should do immediately after a death, what is involved when making funeral arrangements, and steps to take next.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Legal FAQ Sheets: 2021 BC Flood & Extreme Weather

Access Pro Bono
These FAQ sheets answer frequently asked questions related to issues faced by people affected by weather emergencies in BC (wildfires, flooding, and landslides). They are organized into these areas of law: employment law, family law, insurance law, landlord-tenant law, and strata (condo) law.
Last reviewed October 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Getting Paid

People’s Law School
Practical information on your legal rights and options when it comes to getting paid in British Columbia. Topics include earning the minimum wage, hours of work and overtime, working statutory holidays, and what you can do if your employer hasn’t paid you.
Last reviewed October 2025
Organization logo of "TRAC" with the "A" shaped like a house.

Your Tenancy: Deposits

Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)
A security deposit is money that your landlord collects at the start of the tenancy and holds on to until you move out. Find out more details about it, including pet damage deposits, overpaying deposits, applying deposits toward rent, and getting your deposits returned.
Last reviewed July 2025
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.

Before Trial: Discovery (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
Discovery is the process that you (and the other party) use to determine what happened in your case. This guidebook describes the discovery process for civil, non-family claims in the BC Supreme Court. Topics include discovery of documents, examinations for discovery, and interrogatories.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Mediation (in small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information about resolving disputes through mediation in small claims court in BC. It explains the difference between mediation and a trial and the benefits of mediation. Details include what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens at the mediation.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman typing on a laptop. She is smiling and has a cup of coffee nearby. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

A Guide for SRLs with Disabilities: Understanding Your Rights and Requesting the Assistance You Need

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This guide is for self-represented litigants (SRLs) who are also people with disabilities (PWDs). It provides information on disability accommodations and resources in the justice system. It includes a sample letter of accommodation request and what to do if you’re still experiencing barriers.
Last reviewed March 2024