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."

If Your Sponsor Abuses You

Legal Aid BC
If you’re an immigrant in Canada sponsored by your partner and they are abusing you, find out how to protect yourself or your children.
Last reviewed January 2025
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Protection Orders If There Is a Potential for Violence

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Guides on protection orders against family members, or against anyone else you feel is a danger to you.
Last reviewed December 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 December 2024
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Solution Explorer: Intimate Images

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
This free and anonymous tool is for those who’d like to make a claim for an intimate image protection order, damages, and a penalty if someone doesn’t comply with an intimate image protection order. It asks you simple questions and gives you customized legal information and options based on your answers. It also has self-help tools and referrals.
Last reviewed October 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Parole Board — Publications and Forms

Parole Board of Canada
The Parole Board of Canada is an independent group that makes decisions about early release, record suspensions, and clemency. They help reintegrate offenders into society while focusing on public safety. Includes information for victims of crime.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Victims

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It contains an overview of the support, resources, and legal options that are available to victims of crime.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Youth Justice

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It includes an overview of criminal procedure and sentencing in the youth justice context.
Last reviewed September 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Criminal Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on criminal law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It focuses primarily on criminal procedure and case management. It also provides an overview of Charter rights in the criminal context, sentencing, and criminal records.
Last reviewed September 2024