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."

Family Law Illustrated Scenarios

Legal Aid BC
Short, illustrated scenarios with likable characters sharing concerns and information about family law issues. These engaging picture stories are designed to capture readers’ own situations and lead them to online (and other) resources. On the Family Law in BC website.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Natural Disasters and Tenancy

Government of British Columbia
Explains that tenants must pay their rent while evacuated during a natural disaster like wildfires or floods, and landlords must ensure the rental unit is safe and livable before tenants can move back. It includes what to do during and after an evacuation, and the tenant and landlord responsibilities.
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 booklet 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
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
First page of fact sheet with text in one column, with colourful bars for three provinces.

Personal Planning Tools Across Canada

Nidus Registry
A chart showing where you can get help for personal planning, which is making legal arrangements in the event you need assistance during your lifetime due to illness, injury, or disability. In BC, Nidus can help you make representation agreements and enduring powers of attorney.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Time Off Work

People’s Law School
Practical guidance on the legal aspects of taking time off work. Learn your rights and obligations when taking sick days, taking a vacation, and taking other leaves of absence.
Last reviewed March 2024