Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Guardianship, Parenting Arrangements, and Contact

People’s Law School
Explains that when parents separate, they must work out the details of how their children will be cared for. This includes decisions about guardianship, parenting arrangements, and contact. Learn about these parenting after separation issues and the laws that apply. You can also find answers to some common questions.
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.

Going Through Separation

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes separation in BC and gives information on mediation, what to take with you when you separate, and how to prove you’re separated if you have to keep living with your ex-spouse.
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.

Starting a Family Law Claim

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook can help you learn about how to start or respond to a family law proceeding in the BC Supreme Court.
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.

Legal Research (family law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook will help you learn about how to do legal research for a family law matter.
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: Getting Married in British Columbia

People’s Law School
You’ve decided to tie the knot. Congratulations! Learn the legal requirements to marry in British Columbia, as well as the steps involved (hint: you need a licence to get married).
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.

Getting a Divorce

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes contested and uncontested divorces in BC and explains how laws in other countries might affect the process. Also includes step-by-step guides on how to do your own divorce without going to court.
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.

Get an Order to Waive Fees (Supreme Court)

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Online step-by-step guide on how to apply for an order to waive fees. This lets you begin or respond to a court application without paying the fees. Includes links to blank forms.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Foster Caregiving and Kinship Care

Government of British Columbia
This describes BC’s network of care, where family and community members provide kinship care, and individuals or families foster children and youth. The network of care also includes community social service agencies who provide care for children and youth with complex needs in a specialized environment.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Financial Abuse: Protecting British Columbia’s Seniors

Government of British Columbia
This fact sheet explains financial abuse and financial exploitation, which is a form of senior abuse. It explains financial abuse is a violation of trust. It gives examples and has tips for how you can prevent financial abuse and how to report it, provides useful resources, and explains who you can call for help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Mediators

Government of British Columbia
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that is facilitated by a neutral third party, a mediator. It can help resolve your family disputes including separation or divorce, without needing to go to court.
Last reviewed March 2024