Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Provincial Court Proceedings

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Answering your questions about Provincial Court proceedings.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: How to Enrol

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA is a free service helping families and children get the support payments they’re entitled to. This web page explains how to enrol in the program and get an order, and what to expect after sending an application.
Last reviewed September 2026
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How the Interjurisdictional Support Order (ISO) Process Works When the Other Person Lives Outside BC

Government of British Columbia
Explains how to get support if one person lives outside BC. It explains what you need to do to get a support order, and how to change an existing support order, including tips about starting an application and sending your application.
Last reviewed September 2026
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Support When One Person Lives Outside BC: Choose Your Forms

Government of British Columbia
Step-by-step question and answer guide to find what forms you need to get or change a child and/or spousal support order under Interjurisdictional Support Orders or the Divorce Act. The linked PDF forms are based on your answers. It also links to help guides for each form and where to get help.
Last reviewed September 2026
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, with a scenic photograph of a mountainous landscape with a path running through a lush green valley.

JP Boyd on Family Law: Child Support

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of child support and child support orders, and includes information about exceptions to the Federal Child Support Guidelines, how to make changes to child support, and how to deal with arrears of child support.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

If Your Spouse Is Harassing You Through the Courts

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Includes examples of how the other person may use the legal system to harass (bother) or abuse you, and what you can do.
Last reviewed September 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Changing Your Name

People’s Law School
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.
Last reviewed September 2026
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Divorce

Government of Canada
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.
Last reviewed September 2026
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 September 2026
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Birth, Adoption, Death, Marriage and Divorce

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
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.
Last reviewed September 2026