Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Family Management Conference

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains the family management conference, which is your first appearance in provincial family court when you or your ex-spouse has filed an application.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Small Claims

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Small claims court generally hears cases between $5,001 and $35,000. This page has links to sample order terms, picklists, how to enforce orders, bringing support persons with you to court, and alternatives to court.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Criminal (Adult and Youth)

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Links to guides such as getting ready for criminal court, the steps in a criminal case, Indigenous sentencing courts, youth courts, protection orders, and alternatives to court. You’ll also find practice directions and rules that the court has issued about its procedures, and picklists with standard wording for orders and applications.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Getting Ready for Traffic, Ticket and Bylaw Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This guide deals with disputing traffic tickets as well as tickets for offences under the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Act and the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. Learn how to prepare your dispute, vary your fine amounts, or reset hearing dates.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Bring a Support Person to Court

People’s Law School
Information for those representing themselves in court who wish to bring a support person during the court hearing, and how to ask the court’s permission to have them come with you.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Bringing a Support Person to Small Claims Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Many self-represented litigants find that having a trusted friend or family member with them to provide emotional support, take notes, and organize documents can be a big help. The BC Provincial Court recognizes this, and they’ve adopted guidelines to make it easier to bring a support person to small claims court.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Protection Orders If There Is a Potential for Violence

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Guides on protection orders against family members, or against anyone else you feel is a danger to you.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Getting Ready for Family Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This guide to a family court trial in BC Provincial Court covers whether it’s the correct court for your legal issue, if you can attend court by phone or videoconference, resources to help you with family disputes, and definitions for some legal words used in court.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Types of Family Matters Dealt with in Provincial Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Preparing Financial Documents

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Information about financial statements in family court, including how they’re used in court, and details about filing and copying.
Last reviewed December 2024