Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Parenting after Separation (PAS) Courses

Government of British Columbia
PAS is a free online three-hour course for parents and others who are going through separation or divorce. It helps ensure that your decisions are being made in the best interest of the children. The course may be required if you’re involved with the court. Offered in Punjabi and English and for Indigenous families.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Parenting after Separation for Indigenous Families (course)

Government of British Columbia
This free online course is for parents and family members who identify as Indigenous or have children who identify as Indigenous. It helps parents and family members make decisions about caring for their children after separation or divorce. Learn about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, spousal and child support, and using mediation.
Last reviewed November 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Parenting after Separation (course)

Government of British Columbia
This free online course (offered in English and Punjabi) helps parents and family members make decisions about caring for their children after separation or divorce. Learn about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, spousal and child support, and resolving disputes with the help of a mediator.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Family Justice Counsellors in British Columbia

Government of British Columbia
A 10-minute video describing what justice counsellors do. They work in Family Justice Centres located in communities across the province to help those going through separation or divorce.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Early Resolution Process (family law)

Government of British Columbia
The Provincial Court Family Rules introduced Early Resolution Registries, which applies to issues under the Family Law Act in certain locations. In these registries, there are early resolution requirements for family law matters in Provincial Court. This page tells you where the process applies, information about the process & the steps involved.
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the handbook cover featuring a collage of different families engaging in activities, with the AFCC-BC logo and title text above.

AFCC-BC Parenting Plan Guide

AFCC-BC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts’ Provisional BC Chapter)
A guide for parents and professionals across BC to create parenting plans that focus on what’s best for the child and appropriate for their development. A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents about how they‘ll raise their children if they separate or get divorced, setting out how to share responsibilities and time with the kids.
Last reviewed September 2024
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Information on Protection Orders

Government of British Columbia
Read about what a protection order is, when you should get one, how it will protect you, and who you can speak with to get more information about how to apply for one.
Last reviewed August 2024
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Separation Agreements: Your Rights and Options

West Coast LEAF
Explains the law about fair division of family property or debt when spouses separate, and what you can do if you believe your agreement is unfair. It explains how to prepare a financial statement for court, how to manage your case and work with a lawyer, and where to get free legal help.
Last reviewed July 2024
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When You Weren’t Expecting: A Legal Guide for People with Unexpected Pregnancies

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Provides legal information for people who are unexpectedly pregnant outside of a long-term relationship. It’s not written for those who are in a long-term relationship or expect to be in a relationship with the other person while pregnant and after the child is born.
Last reviewed July 2024
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Trials in Provincial Court

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information about getting ready for a family law trial in Provincial Court, including what happens at a trial, how the courtroom is set up, how evidence is presented, and what goes in a trial book.
Last reviewed May 2024