Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Mediation — Child Protection and Aboriginal Families

Legal Aid BC
Describes the role of mediators in the child protection process, how they can help Aboriginal families, and how to find a mediator. Mediators are professionals who are specially trained to help people reach an agreement. They are also trained to not take sides.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Marriage (registration and certificates)

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Provides information on marriage registration and certificates. Find out how to marry in British Columbia, order a marriage certificate, change a marriage record, and search for a marriage licence issuer or marriage commissioner.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Marriage Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements

People’s Law School
A marriage or cohabitation agreement can set out how couples will deal with issues that come up if their relationship ends, but also with issues during the relationship such as property and debts. This page talks about what an agreement covers and doesn’t cover, legal requirements, and how to change one.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and the Government of Canada logo. It’s illustrated with a drawing of a mother with a dog opening her door to a child being dropped off by his father.

Making Plans: A Guide to Parenting Arrangements after Separation or Divorce

Government of Canada
This guide is designed for parents making a parenting arrangement under the Divorce Act, but can be useful for others too. The basic decisions that you have to make about parenting arrangements are similar whether you’re separating or divorcing.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Making Decisions for Someone Else

People’s Law School
Practical information on what to consider when making decisions for someone else. Learn about the steps you can take to protect the adult from scams, financial exploitation and abuse, information about the duties you must follow as an attorney, and tools designed to help you in your role.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Making a Claim for Workers’ Compensation

People’s Law School
Explains how workers’ compensation works, and who can get it, explaining the range of injuries and illnesses. It describes the benefits you might be entitled to if you suffer a temporary disability, or are permanently disabled, and the benefits for families of workers. It explains the steps you need to take to make a claim.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Long Term Wage Rate

Government of British Columbia
Explains the wage rate WorkSafeBC must set if a work-related injury or disease disables you from working for more than ten weeks. It explains how this long term wage rate is set, what counts as earnings, and what if you were at your job for less than 12 months. It also covers what to do if you disagree with WorkSafeBC’s long term wage rate.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Lost Files and Wills

Law Society of British Columbia
The Law Society of British Columbia of has hundreds of thousands of client files, including wills, taken into possession when law firms have been taken over and through other processes. If you have lost track of your lawyer and need to locate files, contact the Law Society.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features an outline of a blue house and the letters “chf” in dark blue next to the letters “bc” in light blue.

Living in a Housing Co-op

Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC)
Information about co-op housing in BC, including where to apply and which co-ops are accepting applications.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)

Government of Canada
Explains how to change your employer under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), and how to extend or change the conditions of your work permit. It also covers applying for permanent residency.
Last reviewed March 2024