Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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.

Before Trial: Affidavit (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An affidavit is a written statement used to present evidence. This guidebook describes how to prepare an affidavit if you’re representing yourself in Supreme Court. It explains what to put in an affidavit, the structure, and how to fill in the main and technical parts. Includes a sample affidavit.
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.

After Trial: Orders (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An order needs to be prepared when the court hearing is complete and the court has made an order. The order is the document, filed in the court registry, which sets out the decision of the judge or associate judge. The parties, not the judge, are usually responsible for preparing the order.
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.

After Trial: Enforcing Court Orders (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
In general, when a judge makes an order, the parties must do what the judge has decided. Enforcing an order means making sure that what the court ordered is done, or executed. Usually you want to collect money that is owing to you.
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.

After Trial: Costs (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
If you are a party to a Supreme Court action and are successful on a chambers application or at trial, you may request that the other party pay your costs. This guidebook gives an overview of the procedure for assessing costs of civil, non-family claims in 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.

Trial Conference (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information about trial conferences in small claims court. Trial conferences are a pilot procedure in claims over $5,001 and up to $35,000. They involve an informal one-on-one discussion with a Provincial Court judge. Learn how to prepare for a trial conference, and what to expect.
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.

Small Claims BC

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This online help guide provides information, videos, and personalized free legal help through online chat and phone to help you find earlier solutions for small claims court cases. It describes summary or simplified trials, mediation, trial conferences, preparing for court, court forms, and more.
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.

Settlement Conference (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This web page about settlement conferences discusses how parties in a legal dispute can sit with a Provincial Court judge to explore ways to settle their case without going to trial.
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.

Mediation (in small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information about resolving disputes through mediation in small claims court in BC. It explains the difference between mediation and a trial and the benefits of mediation. Details include what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens at the mediation.
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.

Is Small Claims Court for Me?

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information and resources to help you through the small claims court process, and this page is the starting point to learn if small claims court is right for you.
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.

Enforcing Orders (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
Even if you win your case, there is more to do to get your money or what the judge decided you were entitled to. This website explains your options for how to collect on a judgment.
Last reviewed March 2024