Legal Resources

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Under the law, a child born outside marriage is treated the same as a child born to married parents. However, there are some implications for parents and other practical considerations.

Information for parents, guardians, relatives of children, and children and teens about child rights, parenting and contact arrangements, child protection, and adoption.

This fact sheet provides general information about child support under the Divorce Act. Includes information about calculating child support, the difference between Federal Guidelines and provincial guidelines, and paying and ending child support.

Parents have a legal duty to support their children, even if one parent doesn’t see or take care of the children. Learn about child support and how to get it.

Sometimes people responsible for a child disagree with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Aboriginal child and family service agency about a child’s safety. Child protection mediation is a way to make a plan for a child’s safety with the help of an impartial person called a mediator.