Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Child Protection

Legal Aid BC
Identifies the law around child protection for Aboriginal children in BC, sets out some aspects of the child protection/removal process, and explains parents’ and the band’s rights and responsibilities.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a design with a heart and a teardrop shape, partially overlapping. There is a silhouette of a child holding a teddy bear.

Child Abuse Is Wrong: What Can I Do?

Government of Canada
This booklet is for the parents or guardians of children. It talks about child abuse in families. It answers questions about the law on child abuse in Canada. This booklet may also be useful even if you are not a parent, but you believe a child you know is being abused.
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: Changing Your Name

People’s Law School
You may want to change your legal name because you’re getting married, because you’re getting divorced, or just because you feel like it. Learn what’s involved in changing your name.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Challenging Your Spouse or Parent’s Will

People’s Law School
If you think your spouse or parent didn’t leave you enough, you can ask the court to rewrite the will so you receive a larger share. It explains who can bring a wills variation claim, and explains the steps to take if you want to challenge the will. Answers common questions, and links to free or low-cost legal help and how to find a lawyer.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Challenging the Validity of a Will

People’s Law School
This guide can help you if you believe a will does not accurately represent the true intentions of the deceased.
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: Challenging a Will

People’s Law School
Practical information on your options for challenging a will. Topics include what’s involved in challenging a spouse’s or parent’s will based on fairness, and challenging the validity of a will.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with the title in capital letters against a white background.

Challenging a Decision about Your Employment Insurance Claim: Reconsideration and the Social Security Tribunal

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
This guide will tell you how to challenge a decision about your employment insurance claim. It covers the entire appeal process, including internal reconsideration and the Social Security Tribunal.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail image of PDF cover with photo of elderly couple side by side looking at the camera

Cam and Sally’s Story and Getting Your Affairs in Order: Legal Planning and the Dementia Journey

Alzheimer Society of BC
Learn about the important legal issues that affect people with dementia and their families. Follow Cam and Sally’s story as one family’s experience using the law.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Births (registration and certificates)

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Information about birth registration services and birth certificates.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, logo, and a photo of a man and woman looking at a laptop screen, with papers and pens on the table.

Being an Executor

People’s Law School
A booklet for people who have been appointed as executor in a will. It covers the steps involved in dealing with an estate in British Columbia after a person dies, including how to probate a will. The information is current to March 2019.
Last reviewed March 2024