Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Early Resolution Process (Family Justice)

Government of British Columbia

On December 7, 2020, the provincial court registries in Surrey and Victoria adopted the early resolution and case management aspects of the new Provincial Court Family Rules. This page tells you about the process and the steps involved. Also includes a poster and a brochure downloadable in PDF.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Do Your Own Uncontested Divorce

Legal Aid BC

Online step-by-step guide to getting a divorce in BC if you both agree about how to deal with your parenting, support, and property and debt issues. Includes links to blank forms you’ll need and instructions about filing them at the registry.

Last reviewed March 2024
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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
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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
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Court Orders

Legal Aid BC

Step-by-step guides on how to get, change, enforce, appeal, or write court orders, plus information on what to do if your order was made outside BC or one of you leaves the province.

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: Couples Who Aren’t Spouses: Your Income, Support, and Property Rights

People’s Law School

Not all couples who live together meet the definition of “spouse” under BC’s family law. For these couples, learn your entitlement to benefits and what happens if you split up.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Common-Law Couples

Legal Aid BC

Explains the rights and responsibilities of people in marriage-like (common-law) relationships when they’re together, if they separate, and if one of them dies with or without a will.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Common Questions (family law)

Legal Aid BC

Short answers to common questions about separation and divorce, children, abuse and family violence, finances and support, and the BC legal system.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Collaborative Planning and Decision-Making in Child Welfare

Government of British Columbia

Provides brief description about mediation, family group conferencing, and cultural/traditional decision-making. These are alternatives to court for planning and making decisions about child welfare. Links to relevant information sheets are also available.

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: Children’s Rights

People’s Law School

The legal rights of children vary from those of adults. Learn the rights of children in several contexts, and situations where their views are considered in decisions that affect them.

Last reviewed March 2024