Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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JP Boyd on Family Law: How Do I Make a Priority Parenting Matter Application?

John-Paul Boyd, KC
Explains issues that count as priority parenting matters and how to make an application in the Provincial Court. Priority parenting matters include urgent health decisions for a child, immediate needs for a passport, a child’s upcoming travel or activity, or issues relating to relocation or removal of a child.
Last reviewed February 2025
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Get an Order about Priority Parenting Matters

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Explains how to apply for orders about priority parenting matters in the Provincial Court. Priority parenting matters include time-sensitive or emergency medical treatment for a child, applying for a passport, a child’s upcoming travel or activity, or a child’s removal from or return to a specific area in BC.
Last reviewed February 2025
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Types of Family Matters Dealt with in Provincial Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
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Apply for a Family Law Act Order

Government of British Columbia
Helps you fill out forms for family orders in Provincial Court. These include protection orders, and orders for parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship, and spousal support. You can file the printed-out forms at a court registry, or e-file from this website.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed November 2024
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When You Weren’t Expecting: A Legal Guide for People with Unexpected Pregnancies

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Provides legal information for people who are unexpectedly pregnant outside of a long-term relationship. It’s not written for those who are in a long-term relationship or expect to be in a relationship with the other person while pregnant and after the child is born.
Last reviewed July 2024
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Supreme Court Family Rules Forms

Government of British Columbia
Links to all the forms (you can view them in alphabetical or numerical order). The page also links to free resources to help decide what form you need and how to proceed. It provides instructions and explains what software and browsers to use.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Supreme Court Family Order Pick List

Supreme Court of British Columbia
The Supreme Court has developed a “Family Order Pick List” which sets out standard terms for most of the usual orders made in family cases. The pick list provides the Supreme Court clerks the ability to electronically populate orders after chambers applications or a judicial case conference.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Stopping the Violence: A Guide for Women Facing Domestic Violence

YWCA Vancouver
Brochure about abuse of women in relationships. Explains what abuse is and what the warning signs are, and provides resources for help and support.
Last reviewed March 2024