Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Legal Rights and Resources for People Living with Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia
What do you do if you feel you’re being overlooked for employment because of your disability? What if your parenting skills are questioned because of your lack of mobility? This booklet is designed to answer these questions and more, and support those with disabilities to live a Life Without Limits.
Last reviewed March 2024
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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 March 2024
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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 March 2024
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Legal Changes of Name

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Provides information on how to legally change your name.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Leaving a Job

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information on your legal rights and options if you get fired or laid off. Topics include if you are fired, how much notice an employer needs to give you, getting laid off, if your employer has made big changes to your job, and applying for employment insurance.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Late Applications for Workers’ Compensation

Government of British Columbia
Explains how to apply for workers’ compensation. The page explains how much time you have to apply, what happens if you apply after more than a year, and what special circumstances WorkSafeBC considers. It covers when your benefits will start, what happens if there’s new medical evidence, and what happens if your claim is rejected.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Labour Relations — Unfair Labour Practice (for federal workers)

Canada Industrial Relations Board
A guide for how to file a complaint about an unfair labour practice. It goes over the process and potential outcomes. It explains who can file a complaint, when and how to do it, what information is needed, and the steps after the submission, including mediation, hearings, and decisions.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Keeping Kids Safe from Abuse in BC

Government of British Columbia
Provides definitions of child abuse according to the law, the warning signs of child abuse, and what to do when a child tells you about it. Includes tips about keeping children safe and where to get help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover illustrated with an Indigenous family of two children, two parents, and two grandparents with trees and stars in the background.

Keeping Aboriginal Kids Safe: Your Family’s Rights

Legal Aid BC
Illustrated booklet that explains the child protection process for Aboriginal children and families. Describes delegated Aboriginal agencies, mediation, the court process, and the Family Extended Program. Has a flow chart of the child protection process.
Last reviewed March 2024
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JP Boyd on Family Law: Spousal Support

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of the law on spousal support, and includes more detailed information about the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, how to make changes to spousal support, and how to deal with arrears of spousal support.
Last reviewed March 2024