Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Overview: Separation and Divorce

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook has general information about separating and getting a divorce. It is intended for separating couples who can reach an agreement without a trial, and also to those who require a judge to settle a disputes.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Online FLA (Family Law Act) Assistant

Government of British Columbia
This website helps you fill out the forms needed to apply for family court orders, such as for protection orders, parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship, spousal support, case management, priority parenting matters, relocation of a child, and enforcement.
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
Cover of the booklet with the title and a photo of a mother holding a young child. The YWCA logo is at the bottom.

Mothers Without Status

YWCA Vancouver
This booklet is for service providers assisting “mothers without status” — women who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents. It gives an overview of the issues they face and options they can take. It includes information on where to get help.
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
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Mediation, Collaborative Negotiation, and Arbitration

People’s Law School
Explains that going to court over a family law problem can be stressful, time consuming, and expensive. Learn how to use mediation, collaborative negotiation, or arbitration to resolve issues without going to court. You can also find answers to some common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Mediation — Child Protection and Aboriginal Families

Legal Aid BC
Describes the role of mediators in the child protection process, how they can help Aboriginal families, and how to find a mediator. Mediators are professionals who are specially trained to help people reach an agreement. They are also trained to not take sides.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and the Government of Canada logo. It’s illustrated with a drawing of a mother with a dog opening her door to a child being dropped off by his father.

Making Plans: A Guide to Parenting Arrangements after Separation or Divorce

Government of Canada
This guide is designed for parents making a parenting arrangement under the Divorce Act, but can be useful for others too. The basic decisions that you have to make about parenting arrangements are similar whether you’re separating or divorcing.
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 handbook cover with a close-up image of a person's hand held up in a stopping gesture, with the title and bullet points overlaid on the palm.

Live Safe, End Abuse

Legal Aid BC
Explains what abuse is and where people who are being abused can get help. Includes information about keeping children safe, safety planning, men who are abused, and financial matters.
Last reviewed March 2024