Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo features a red chevron shape resembling a rooftop above the acronym "CMHC" and its French equivalent "SCHL," with a small maple leaf in between the two acronyms.

Buying a Home

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Links to information from Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation about buying a house. Content includes home-buying step by step, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), planning and managing a mortgage, and information for newcomers.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Buying a Home

People’s Law School
Buying a home is an exciting life event. Learn the key factors to consider before you make an offer, and the steps involved in buying a home in British Columbia.
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: Buying a Condominium

People’s Law School
Buying a condominium is a lot like buying a house. But there are also important differences. Learn the key things to consider before making an offer to buy a condo.
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: Builders Liens

People’s Law School
Occasionally, those who work or supply materials on a construction project aren’t paid for the work or materials supplied. A “builders lien” can help them collect the money they’re owed.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)
Moving to a new country can be challenging. You probably have a number of questions that need to be answered right away. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.
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
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: Judicial Case Conference

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook introduces what a judicial case conference is, including which forms you will need.
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.

Before Trial: Discovery

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
Discovery is the process that you (and the other party) use to determine what happened in your case. This guidebook describes the discovery process for family claims in BC Supreme Court. Topics include discovery of documents, examinations for discovery, and interrogatories.
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.

Before Trial: Chambers Applications

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to chambers applications for family claims, including which court forms you will need.
Last reviewed March 2024