Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, two columns of text, an illustration of a house, and the Government of BC logo.

Help Starts Here: Information on Stalking (Criminal Harassment)

Government of British Columbia
Criminal harassment is not a sign of love; it’s about power and control. It’s abuse. There are steps you can take to increase your safety at home, at work, and on transit. This guide provides information on what a peace bond does and how to get one.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Family Violence

People’s Law School
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, you have options. Help is available from the police, community workers, and the courts. Learn the steps you can take.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Extended Family Program

Legal Aid BC
Provides information about the Extended Family Program. Under the program, parents who are temporarily unable to care for their children can ask to have their children placed in the care of family or friends, instead of having them go into foster care.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Delegated Aboriginal Agencies

Legal Aid BC
Explains what delegated Aboriginal agencies are and what their role is in the Aboriginal community. Also includes information for Aboriginal parents on what they can do if they’re being investigated for a child protection matter.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Court Orders & Hearings

Legal Aid BC
Explains many of the court orders and hearings for the child protection process. Describes the Report to Court, access order, consent order, interim supervision orders, temporary supervision orders, and continuing custody order.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Child Protection Mediation

Government of British Columbia
Sometimes people responsible for a child disagree with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Aboriginal child and family service agency about a child’s safety. Child protection mediation is a way to make a plan for a child’s safety with the help of an impartial person called a mediator.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Child Protection

Legal Aid BC
Identifies the law around child protection for Aboriginal children in BC, sets out some aspects of the child protection/removal process, and explains parents’ and the band’s rights and responsibilities.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Adoption of a Child

People’s Law School
Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Family Law in BC

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
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.
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 resource 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