Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the first page, which is four paragraphs of text and a list.

Application to Waive Fees (blank forms)

Supreme Court of British Columbia
A package of forms for when you’re applying to waive court fees in Supreme Court, whether it’s for civil or family issues.
Last reviewed March 2024
First page of PDF with text and no images.

Memorandum from the Court to Self-Represented Litigants: Trial Procedure in Civil and Family Cases

Supreme Court of British Columbia
A 14-page memo from the court written for SRLs going to trial for a civil or family case. It outlines the court’s sitting schedule, courtroom etiquette, stages of a trial, what goes into an opening statement, how to present evidence, and how to question witnesses.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Trial Conference (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information about trial conferences in small claims court. Trial conferences are a pilot procedure in claims over $5,001 and up to $35,000. They involve an informal one-on-one discussion with a Provincial Court judge. Learn how to prepare for a trial conference, and what to expect.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Small Claims BC

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This online help guide provides information, videos, and personalized free legal help through online chat and phone to help you find earlier solutions for small claims court cases. It describes summary or simplified trials, mediation, trial conferences, preparing for court, court forms, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Settlement Conference (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This web page about settlement conferences discusses how parties in a legal dispute can sit with a Provincial Court judge to explore ways to settle their case without going to trial.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Mediation (in small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information about resolving disputes through mediation in small claims court in BC. It explains the difference between mediation and a trial and the benefits of mediation. Details include what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens at the mediation.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Is Small Claims Court for Me?

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information and resources to help you through the small claims court process, and this page is the starting point to learn if small claims court is right for you.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Enforcing Orders (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
Even if you win your case, there is more to do to get your money or what the judge decided you were entitled to. This website explains your options for how to collect on a judgment.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Court Forms (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This section of the Small Claims BC website has forms used in a small claims case, including for mediation. The forms are in a PDF format that can be filled in and printed out. There is also an online “filing assistant” that walks you through completing some of the forms online.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Appeals (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
A step-by-step guide to appealing a decision made in small claims court, which would take place in BC Supreme Court. Includes the relevant forms and the various deadlines and fees.
Last reviewed March 2024