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."

Dial-a-Law: Seniors’ Rights and Elder Abuse

People’s Law School
When someone in a trusted relationship with an older person does something that harms or distresses them, this is elder abuse. Learn what options exist if you suspect elder abuse.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Resources

Seniors First BC
A list of province-wide support services for older adults.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, a photo of an elderly woman using a computer, and the Government of BC logo.

Responding to Elder Abuse: Resources

Government of British Columbia
This brochure helps older adults know how to respond to abuse and know where they can find assistance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the fact sheet, which starts with information about who can revoke a representation agreement. The NIDUS logo is at the top of the page.

Representation Agreement Resource: Procedures to Revoke (Cancel) a Representation Agreement

Nidus Registry
Explains what is legally required for a valid revocation (cancellation) of an existing representation agreement. Note that making a new agreement does not automatically revoke a previous one. A Notice of Revocation form is also provided.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the fact sheet, illustrated with a small photo of a middle-aged man with his arm round his mother. She is smiling.

Representation Agreement Overview

Nidus Registry
This Nidus fact sheet introduces the representation agreement, which is governed by the Representation Agreement Act. It describes two types of agreements — RA7 and RA9 — and answers common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with a photo of an elderly woman in a wheelchair, and an elderly man with his arm round her.

Legal Issues in Residential Care: An Advocate’s Manual

Seniors First BC
This manual describes the key legal issues related to residential care in British Columbia, along with the appropriate processes and available legal or administrative remedies.
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: Specific Communities and Family Law

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of the ways some laws apply differently to specific communities regarding family law problems. It covers Indigenous families, newcomers to Canada, same-sex relationships, and issues affecting transgender and transsexual people.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, two columns of text, and the Government of BC logo. It’s illustrated with line drawings of a sun, a leaf, a person, and a house.

Help Starts Here: Information on Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults

Government of British Columbia
Abuse and neglect of older adults takes many different forms: physical, sexual, emotional, and financial. This information sheet is part of the Help Starts Here series and provides information for older adults who have suffered abuse and neglect.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Abuse & Family Violence

Legal Aid BC
Describes the challenges Aboriginal families and communities face when there’s abuse and family violence. Explains types of abuse that are against the law, and where victims can get help and support services. Includes information on who can stay in the family home on reserve.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

BC Human Rights Clinic: Frequently Asked Questions for Complainants

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
Answers questions commonly asked by those who have made a human rights complaint.
Last reviewed March 2024