Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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 an elderly person sitting on a bench, with birds flying around.

Elder Abuse Is Wrong

Government of Canada
This booklet is for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust — it could be a partner or spouse, a family member, a caregiver, a service provider or another individual. This kind of abuse of intimacy or trust is wrong.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo is "WORK" in white text in a black rectangle. To the right are "SAFE" in black text and "BC" in white text in an orange rectangle.

Domestic Violence in the Workplace

WorkSafeBC
These resources provide an online “tool kit” to help employers understand their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), recognize the signs of domestic violence, and take action to help keep workers and workplaces safe.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Divorced or Separated: Splitting Canada Pension Plan Credits

Government of Canada
Explains how Canada Pension Plan pension credits built up during the time a couple lived together can be split equally between them upon divorce or separation. It also outlines how to request “credit splitting.”
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Divorce

Government of Canada
This fact sheet provides general information about getting a divorce in Canada under the federal Divorce Act. This act applies when at least one spouse has resided in a Canadian province or territory for at least one year before they apply for a divorce.
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: Dividing Property and Debts

People’s Law School
When their relationship ends, spouses are presumed to keep property they brought into the relationship and to share in property they acquired during their relationship. The same goes for debt.
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: Desk-Order Divorce: The Do-It-Yourself Divorce Process

People’s Law School
If you and your spouse agree on the issues of parenting, support, and property, there is a fast-track way to get a divorce. You can apply for a “desk-order divorce.”
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Delegated Aboriginal Agencies

Legal Aid BC
Explains what delegated Aboriginal agencies are and what their role is in the Aboriginal community. Also includes information for Aboriginal parents on what they can do if they’re being investigated for a child protection 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: Deciding Who Will Move Out When You Separate

People’s Law School
Provides information about who will move out when a couple separates. Learn your rights when deciding who goes and who stays — and how to enforce the decision. It also covers information about renting. Find out your next steps, and the answers to some common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

How to Report a Crime

Government of British Columbia
You can report a crime in person, over the telephone, and in some communities, over the internet (online). It can also be done anonymously. Choose the method that best suits your situation and makes you feel most comfortable. In case of emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Court Orders & Hearings

Legal Aid BC
Explains many of the court orders and hearings for the child protection process. Describes the Report to Court, access order, consent order, interim supervision orders, temporary supervision orders, and continuing custody order.
Last reviewed March 2024