Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Bring a Support Person to Court

People’s Law School
Information for those representing themselves in court who wish to bring a support person during the court hearing, and how to ask the court’s permission to have them come with 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
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Collecting Unclaimed Court Funds

People’s Law School
You may have received a letter from BC Unclaimed saying that you’re entitled to court funds, or you may have found out about it by looking up your court case. To claim the funds, you need a court order proving that you’re entitled to the funds and that gets BC Unclaimed to pay you. This page will walk you through the steps.
Last reviewed October 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Six Steps to Claim Unclaimed Property

People’s Law School
This page explains the steps of making a claim for unclaimed property — the legal term for money held by an organization that the rightful owner hasn’t used for a long time.
Last reviewed October 2024
Logo features an ornate red monogram consisting of the letters "S" and "C" intertwined, surrounded by a circular wreath made of stylized leaves.

Resources for Self-Represented Litigants

Supreme Court of Canada
Explains what is expected of you and what instructions to follow if you bring your own application for leave to appeal or if you’ve been named as a respondent on an application for leave to appeal. Includes information about getting started, guides, and forms.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, which is four paragraphs of text and a list.

Application to Waive Fees (blank forms)

Supreme Court of British Columbia
A package of forms for when you’re applying to waive court fees in Supreme Court, whether it’s for civil or family issues.
Last reviewed March 2024
First page of PDF with text and no images.

Memorandum from the Court to Self-Represented Litigants: Trial Procedure in Civil and Family Cases

Supreme Court of British Columbia
A 14-page memo from the court written for SRLs going to trial for a civil or family case. It outlines the court’s sitting schedule, courtroom etiquette, stages of a trial, what goes into an opening statement, how to present evidence, and how to question witnesses.
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.

Trial: Witnesses

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of witness basics, including information on preparing your witnesses and questioning your witnesses. This guide also introduces concepts like cross-examinations and hearsay.
Last reviewed March 2024