Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover illustrated with four drawings in a horizontal panel. They depict two women; a woman with her hand on her cheek; a police woman, and a person using a phone. The Disability Alliance BC logo and the Government of BC logo are at the bottom.

I’ve Been Sexually Assaulted: Who Can I Tell?

Disability Alliance BC
This help sheet will explain who to talk to — or who to report to — if you have been sexually assaulted. Generously funded by the Ministry of Public Safety.
Last reviewed March 2024
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I’ve Been Served with a Court Form

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Step-by-step guides to help you figure out what to do if you’re the respondent in a family law case and you’ve been served with a court form.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Is It Abuse?

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes how to spot types of abuse and family violence in different harmful or controlling behaviours (whether it’s happening to you or someone you know).
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: Introduction to Family Law

People’s Law School
Family law deals with legal issues that impact families. Family breakups, divorce, marriage, adoption, and family violence all fall within this area of law. Learn the basics of family law.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a photo of a child’s toy rabbit on its back on a swing.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents

Government of Canada
Written for parents whose child has been abducted and taken out of the country, or who are concerned that their child may be vulnerable to such abduction. It reviews prevention issues and steps to take in cases of international abduction.
Last reviewed March 2024
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International Child Abduction (FAQ)

Government of British Columbia
Provides information about the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, what BC central authority can do if your child is abducted across international borders, and how most cases would proceed. Includes useful contacts and links to forms.
Last reviewed March 2024
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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 March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

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 ISO or the Divorce Act. The PDF forms you are then linked to are based on answers about your situation. It also links to guides to help you fill out each form, and includes where you can get help if no forms are applicable.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Intercountry Adoption and the Immigration Process

Government of Canada
Provides information about the process of international adoption.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Information for Children & Teens

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Answers some of the common questions asked by children and teens about their family law rights, including whether a young person can get child support, medical care, guardianship over younger siblings, and a say in which parent they want to live with.
Last reviewed March 2024