Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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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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Family Law Protection Orders

Provincial Court of British Columbia
How to apply for, change, or cancel a family protection order. Includes information about when you can proceed without informing the person you need protection against.
Last reviewed December 2024
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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
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Types of Family Matters Dealt with in Provincial Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.
Last reviewed December 2024
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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
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Apply for a Family Law Act Order

Government of British Columbia
Helps you fill out forms for family orders in Provincial Court. These include protection orders, and orders for parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship, and spousal support. You can file the printed-out forms at a court registry, or e-file from this website.
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
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Navigating Home Care and Senior Housing: An Advocacy Guide

Seniors First BC
A guide explaining the types of personal care and health care that are available to older adults in British Columbia.
Last reviewed November 2024
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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
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If You Are a Victim of a Crime

Government of British Columbia
Information and guidance to support victims of crime in BC. Find the services and people who can help you deal with the emotional, physical and financial effects of a crime.
Last reviewed August 2024