Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Unbundled Legal Services

People’s Law School
This website provides information about unbundled legal services — a service model for lower-cost legal help. You hire a lawyer to help with parts of your legal matter (rather than the whole file). You get the support you need at a manageable cost.
Last reviewed February 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 January 2026
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 January 2026
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 January 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 January 2026
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Navigating Home Care and Senior Housing: An Advocacy Guide

Seniors First BC
A guide explaining the types of personal care and health care that are available to older adults in British Columbia.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: When Your Common-Law Spouse Dies

People’s Law School
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.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Victims

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It contains an overview of the support, resources, and legal options that are available to victims of crime.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Family Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It includes an overview of the family law process, as well as the law relating to marriage, common-law relationships, divorce, support, and adoption.
Last reviewed November 2025
Thumbnail of the cover, with a photo of an elderly woman in a wheelchair, and an elderly man with his arm round her.

Legal Issues in Residential Care: An Advocate’s Manual

Seniors First BC
This manual describes the key legal issues related to residential care in British Columbia, along with the appropriate processes and available legal or administrative remedies.
Last reviewed November 2025