Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover, illustrated with the outline of a bicycle. The Legal Aid BC logo is at the bottom.

Defending Yourself: Possession of Property under $5,000 Obtained by Crime

Legal Aid BC
Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with possession of property under $5,000 obtained by crime. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, illustrated with the outline of a hand holding a bill with a dollar sign. The Legal Aid BC logo is at the bottom.

Defending Yourself: Theft under $5,000

Legal Aid BC
Describes how to defend yourself if you’re charged with theft under $5,000 and what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty. Also includes sentencing information, how to get legal help, and a flowchart showing which Legal Aid BC publications can help at each stage of the criminal court process.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, with a photo of an toddler in rainboots mostly hidden by the large umbrella they are carrying.

If You Can’t Get Legal Aid for Your Child Protection Case

Legal Aid BC
For people facing a complicated child protection hearing who have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer. Explains why you can ask for a court-appointed lawyer and how to apply. Includes forms and what to say to the judge in court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, illustrated with legal system-themed icons, and the LABC logo.

How to Appeal Your Conviction

Legal Aid BC
Step-by-step guide for appealing a conviction for people who may or may not be in custody. Explains how to apply for a legal aid or court-appointed lawyer, and if the application isn’t successful, how to prepare for an appeal hearing without a lawyer. Includes all the required forms and affidavits.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, illustrated with legal system-themed icons, and the LABC logo.

How to Appeal Your Sentence

Legal Aid BC
Step-by-step guide for appealing a sentence for people who may or may not be in custody. Explains how to apply for a legal aid or court-appointed lawyer, and if the application isn’t successful, how to prepare for an appeal hearing without a lawyer. Includes all the required forms and affidavits.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, an illustration of a page with a large X on it, and the Legal Aid BC logo.

Defending Yourself: Breach of a Court Order

Legal Aid BC
Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with a breach of a court order and what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty. Includes sentencing information and how to get legal help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, an illustration of a raised hand with an X over it, and the Legal Aid BC logo.

Defending Yourself: Assault

Legal Aid BC
Describes how to defend yourself if you are charged with assault. Includes what the prosecutor must prove to find you guilty, sentencing information, and how to get legal help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

When You’re Told to Have “No Contact”

Legal Aid BC
Explains what it means when someone wants protection from you because you’re accused or have been found guilty of abuse or violence (including family violence).
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with a photo of a woman and young boy, and the YWCA and Legal Aid BC logos.

Mothers Leaving Abusive Partners: Information on Custody and Access for Women with Children

Legal Aid BC
This resource is for women with children who’ve been abused by their intimate partner. This includes a spouse or someone with whom they share a child but were never in a relationship with. The booklet explains how to get help and protection, and how to handle parenting arrangements.
Last reviewed March 2024
Front cover of booklet with illustrations of various families: a mother and two sons, a same-sex couple, and parents with a baby and a young child.

Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce

Legal Aid BC
Explains the basics of family law in BC. Includes information about why you might want an agreement for living together, and how to write one; what to do if you decide to separate or divorce; how to sort out money matters and work out parenting arrangements; and how the court process works.
Last reviewed March 2024