Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo of the Community Legal Assistance Society, featuring a workmark in black text with a colorful abstract design on the left around another wordmark "CLAS" consisting of blue, green, purple, and orange shapes.

Discrimination & Human Rights: Information for Indigenous People (part 1 of 3)

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
The three-video series provide information about the BC Human Rights Code and how it protects Indigenous people in three areas of life: jobs, tenancy, and access to services. It explains human rights complaints and how the BC Human Rights Tribunal works.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Taxes and Benefits for Indigenous Peoples

Canada Revenue Agency
This website has information about tax benefits and requirements that apply to Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are subject to the same tax rules as other Canadian residents unless their income is eligible for the tax exemption under section 87 of the Indian Act.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, with a scenic photograph of a mountainous landscape with a path running through a lush green valley.

JP Boyd on Family Law: Overlapping Legal Issues

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides information about a selection of relatively common legal questions that are also family law problems. It includes naming and changes of name, wills and estates issues, and conflict of laws.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo shows the letters "PGT" in shades of blue and green, with the organization name to the right.

Introduction to Adult Guardianship in BC

Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
Explains adult guardianship laws make sure financial, legal, personal, and health care decisions can be made by, with, or for adults when needed. This includes if or when adults become mentally incapable.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Financial Abuse: Protecting British Columbia’s Seniors

Government of British Columbia
This fact sheet explains financial abuse and financial exploitation, which is a form of senior abuse. It explains financial abuse is a violation of trust. It gives examples and has tips for how you can prevent financial abuse and how to report it, provides useful resources, and explains who you can call for help.
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
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a design with a heart and a teardrop shape, partially overlapping. There is a silhouette of an elderly person sitting on a bench, with birds flying around.

Elder Abuse Is Wrong

Government of Canada
This booklet is for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust — it could be a partner or spouse, a family member, a caregiver, a service provider or another individual. This kind of abuse of intimacy or trust is wrong.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dying Without a Will

People’s Law School
Practical information for when someone dies without a will. Topics include who inherits the deceased’s property, steps to settling the estate, applying for a grant of administration, and more.
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