Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Alternatives to Court

People’s Law School
Practical information on your legal rights and options when it comes to alternatives to court in British Columbia.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Agreements

Legal Aid BC
General information about making a separation agreement to cover how you’re going to deal with parenting, property, child and spousal support, and other family issues. Also discusses cohabitation or marriage agreements while you’re living together.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Adoptions

Government of British Columbia
Provides information about adoption options available in BC. Includes how to adopt a child, placing your child for adoption, how to access adoption records, and reunion services.
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: Adoption of a Child

People’s Law School
Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Adoption

Legal Aid BC
Explains the different types of adoption in BC, and where to find out more about applying.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Adjust Your Child Support Using the Child Support Recalculation Service (CSRS)

Government of British Columbia
The CSRS can help parents with adjusting the child-support amount by reviewing eligible orders and agreements annually. This page explains eligibility, the way the free service works, and how to enrol in the service.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Family Law Illustrated Scenarios

Legal Aid BC
Short, illustrated scenarios with likable characters sharing concerns and information about family law issues. These engaging picture stories are designed to capture readers’ own situations and lead them to online (and other) resources. On the Family Law in BC website.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with a photo of a woman and young boy, and the YWCA and Legal Aid BC logos.

Mothers Leaving Abusive Partners: Information on Custody and Access for Women with Children

Legal Aid BC
This booklet is for women with children who’ve been abused by their intimate partner. This includes a spouse or someone with whom they share a child but were never in a relationship with. The booklet explains how to get help and protection, and how to handle parenting arrangements.
Last reviewed March 2024
Front cover of booklet with illustrations of various families: a mother and two sons, a same-sex couple, and parents with a baby and a young child.

Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce

Legal Aid BC
Explains the basics of family law in BC. Includes information about why you might want an agreement for living together, and how to write one; what to do if you decide to separate or divorce; how to sort out money matters and work out parenting arrangements; and how the court process works.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, with a photo of an toddler in rainboots mostly hidden by the large umbrella they are carrying.

If You Can’t Get Legal Aid for Your Child Protection Case

Legal Aid BC
For people facing a complicated child protection hearing who have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer. Explains why you can ask for a court-appointed lawyer and how to apply. Includes forms and what to say to the judge in court.
Last reviewed March 2024