Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Income Disclosure for Child Support Purposes

Government of Canada
Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, parents need to provide complete and up-to-date income information to ensure a fair amount of child support. Includes who needs to provide income information when, what income information they need to provide, and what happens when it is not provided.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

If You Have to Go to Court

Legal Aid BC
Describes what to expect when you go to court for a conference, Chambers hearing, or trial. Includes how to prepare for court, and tips on what you can do and how you should act to make your case go smoothly.
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.

Getting Started: Starting a Family Law Claim

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook can help you learn about how to start or respond to a family law proceeding in the BC Supreme Court.
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.

Getting Started: Legal Research

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook will help you learn about how to do legal research for a family law matter.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Get an Order to Waive Fees (Supreme Court)

Legal Aid BC
Online step-by-step guide on how to apply for an order to waive fees. This lets you begin or respond to a court application without paying the fees. Includes links to blank forms.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Mediators

Government of British Columbia
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that is facilitated by a neutral third party, a mediator. It can help resolve your family disputes including separation or divorce, without needing to go to court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: How to Enrol

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA is a free service helping families and children get the support payments they’re entitled to. This web page explains how to enrol in the program and get an order, and what to expect after sending an application.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Enforcing Orders Outside BC

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
How the BCFMA can help if the person paying child support lives outside BC.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Collection Actions

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
Lists the actions the BCFMA can take if the payor of child support falls behind on payments, such as garnishing wages or cancelling their driver’s licence.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Child Support for Children over the Age of Majority

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA’s procedures for collecting child support for children over 19. It outlines conditions under which support may continue, such as the child attending school or having a disability.
Last reviewed March 2024