Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo of Mediate BC with the wordmark in blue and a stylized green arc of dots above the letter "t" to represent the concept of mediation.

Conflict Resolution Options (and about mediation)

Mediate BC
This website describes conflict resolution options including mediation. It also provides information about their child welfare initiatives, roster services, and complaints process. The site has a searchable directory of civil, family, and child protection mediators.
Last reviewed July 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.

Overview: Alternatives to Going to Court

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of alternatives to going to court, including the advantages of avoiding 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.

Before Trial: Avoiding Trial Basics

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook explains how you can resolve your case before it goes to trial. Most disputes are resolved before reaching that stage. It’s important to think about settling your case; lawsuits are time-consuming and expensive, and costs increase at every stage of the proceeding.
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.

Mediation (in small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website provides information about resolving disputes through mediation in small claims court in BC. It explains the difference between mediation and a trial and the benefits of mediation. Details include what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens at the mediation.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

How to Avoid Going to Court

People’s Law School
Explains that going to court is just one way to resolve a legal problem. Other ways can be cheaper, faster, and more effective. They often require you to be more involved and willing to compromise. Topics include common alternative dispute resolution options and situations where they might fit best.
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: Our Court System in a Nutshell

People’s Law School
Trial courts hear evidence and decide cases. British Columbia has two levels of trial court, Provincial Court and Supreme Court. Learn which type of cases each of these courts handle.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, which features an image of a man working on a computer, along with the NSRLP logo and the logo for The Canadian Bar Association.

Settlement Smarts: Tips on Effectively Using Negotiation, Mediation and Judge-Led Settlement Processes

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This primer helps you prepare and navigate the settlement processes you may encounter during your time as a self-represented litigant. Includes personal and strategic tips specific to the process.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Mediation for Small Claims Between $10,000 and $35,000

Government of British Columbia
This guide is for people involved in a small claims action from $10,000 to $35,000. It explains the mediation program available, how to start the mediation process, and the basic information behind the mediation process.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Daily Court Lists

Government of British Columbia
Looking for the location and time of court proceedings happening today? Use the daily court lists to find the schedule for court proceedings happening across the province.
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.

Intro to the Courts

Courts of BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of the justice system in Canada and BC, with a chart of the various provincial and federal courts.
Last reviewed March 2024