Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

About Mediation

Government of British Columbia
Explains mediation, a process for resolving disputes and an alternative to going to court. It covers when to mediate, what mediators do, choosing a mediator, lawyers and mediation, the process, after mediation, and mediation as legal counsel.
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: 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 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
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: How to Enrol

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA is a free service helping families and children get the support payments they’re entitled to. This web page explains how to enrol in the program and get an order, and what to expect after sending an application.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Enforcing Orders Outside BC

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
How the BCFMA can help if the person paying child support lives outside BC.
Last reviewed March 2024