Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, a photo of a close-up of a woman's face with her hand on her cheek, and the YWCA logo.

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
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Stop Family Violence

Government of Canada

A one-stop source of information on family violence that can help you be safe or be part of the solution. It provides links to supports, and resources and services in your area. If you’re a professional, you can find resources and information on these pages to help you effectively prevent or respond to family violence.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Spousal Support

Government of Canada

This fact sheet provides general information about spousal support under the Divorce Act. The act applies to married couples who are divorcing. Provincial or territorial laws apply to unmarried or common-law couples that are separating and to married couples that are separating but not divorcing.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Sexual Abuse — What Happens When You Tell: A Guide for Children and Parents

Government of Canada

This booklet is designed to help children who have experienced sexual abuse. It outlines why a child should tell about the abuse and who should be told. It explains how family members might react and what social workers and police do when they are told about sexual abuse.

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: Separation and Separation Agreements

People’s Law School

Learn about the decisions you must make if your relationship has ended. Topics include separation, and why making a separation agreement is a good idea, as it can deal with support and parenting arrangements, and can deal with property and debt. It also explains what happens to the family home.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover of the Section 211 Toolkit booklet, featuring a person standing on a rocky hill with grass and flowers.

Section 211 Toolkit

Rise Women’s Legal Centre

Provides an overview of major issues lawyers may encounter when requesting or responding to psychological reports ordered under section 211 of the Family Law Act. It was developed primarily for lawyers working with women experiencing family violence, in cases involving parenting disputes.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Schedule and Prepare for Your Supreme Court Trial

Legal Aid BC

A four-and-a-half-minute video that gives an overview of the steps leading up to a Supreme Court family law trial, including scheduling a trial, attending a Trial Management Conference, and filing and serving the necessary documents.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Safety Planning for You and Your Family

Legal Aid BC

A safety plan is a practical list or plan of the steps you can take to protect yourself and your kids if your partner is abusing you. It will help you stay safer if you decide to stay, or if you decide to leave.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing four images in a circular frame: a house, a family, a child reading, and a teen on a skateboard.

Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report

Government of British Columbia

Booklet explains when to report child abuse and neglect, and what to report. Includes what child abuse and neglect is, warning signs, what to do if a child tells you about the abuse, and what to do if you suspect abuse. It also explains what to expect when you make the report and what happens next.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo featuring the red maple leaf from the Canadian flag inside a green crescent. Beneath are the letters, in black, “CCMW.”

Muslim Marriage Contract Toolkit

Canadian Council of Muslim Women

Rooted in traditional Muslim laws, this toolkit helps Muslim women to develop a marriage contract. It includes a sample marriage certificate, a sample Muslim marriage contract and explanatory notes on what each clause means.

Last reviewed March 2024