Family
Find information on family law and abuse published by non-profit organizations, the government, and legal professionals in BC. Each topic includes online guides and tools selected by our librarians.
In this section
Abuse & staying safe
Abuse is never okay. If you feel unsafe or controlled or you’re concerned for someone else, you can get help.
Children & parenting
Being a parent or guardian means making decisions that are best for your children. Includes information about parenting time and adoption.
Divorce & separation
If your marriage or common-law relationship is ending, here are resources to help you figure out what to do.
Marriage & common-law relationships
Explore topics like marriage and co-habitation agreements, name changes, and getting a marriage certificate.
Spousal & child support & dividing property
Financial stability is important after separation or divorce. Find out about spousal and child support and how property and debt are divided.
What can we help you find?
Legal help in BC
Family duty counsel
Legal Aid BC
Lawyers who help people with low incomes deal with their family law issues, including child protection issues if the MCFD is involved, and if you’re going through a separation or divorce. You might qualify for help from family duty counsel in Provincial or Supreme Court even if you don’t qualify for a legal aid lawyer.
Family Justice Centres
Government of British Columbia
Family Justice Centres provide services to British Columbians going through separation or divorce. Family Justice Counsellors help families with parenting arrangements, contact with a child, guardianship, and support issues. They provide short-term counselling, mediation, emergency and community referrals, and other free services.
Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Provides free or low-cost legal services to self-identified women. Services are provided by upper-year law students, who are supervised by staff lawyers. Rise offers a range of services, from information and summary advice to unbundled legal services, and in some instances representation in court. Make an appointment online, by phone, or by email.
Featured guides
Family Law in BC
Legal Aid BC
Information and self-help guides on family law in BC. Topics covered include abuse, adoption, child protection/removal, common-law relationships, custody and access, divorce and separation, child support, and spousal support.
JP Boyd on Family Law
John-Paul Boyd, KC
Written in plain language, with rollover definitions for legal words and phrases, this wikibook provides practical, in-depth coverage of family law and divorce law in British Columbia.
LSLAP Manual: Family Law
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 the family law process, as well as the law relating to marriage, common-law relationships, divorce, support, and adoption.
Find legal help
Discover free or low-cost services that can help you with family law issues and any questions you may have.