Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Dial-a-Law: Being Sued in Small Claims Court

People’s Law School

If a notice of claim names you as a defendant in a small claims court lawsuit, learn what options you have, how to act on them, and what happens next.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Consumer and Debt Law

People’s Law School

A problem-solving manual for legal advocates, paralegals, and lawyers in BC helping clients with consumer or debt problems. It covers over 45 topics on problems people experience with consumer purchases, contracts, borrowing money, and being in debt. This page links to the Wikibook and e-book and where to order print copies.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the chapter with a table of contents.

LSLAP Manual: Creditors’ Remedies and Debtors’ Assistance

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)

This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides a summary of the law relating to debt and debtors’ rights, collections agencies, court order enforcement, and bankruptcy.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Resources for Debtors: You Owe Money

Government of Canada

Links to resources for information about how you can deal with debt without declaring bankruptcy.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Resources for Creditors: Your Rights and Options When Someone Owes You Money

Government of Canada

Supplies creditors with links to a range of online resources. Includes search tools and publications.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Consumed by Debt? Information for Consumers on the Insolvency Process

Government of Canada

This brochure outlines a consumer’s insolvency options when they are facing challenging financial times, and explains that Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs) are the only qualified professionals authorized to administer insolvency proceedings.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features three overlapping hexagons in yellow, red, and blue, with the organization name to the right.

Solution Explorer: Small Claims

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)

The Solution Explorer is the first step in the online Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) process, with free legal information and self-help tools. You can apply to the CRT for small claims dispute resolution right from the Solution Explorer.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a shield coloured yellow, green, red, and blue, with the organization name to the right.

Debt Collection

Consumer Protection BC

Consumer Protection BC regulates the debt collection and repayment industry. The website offers information on your rights and obligations around debt-collection practices. Includes links on how to dispute a debt, request communication in writing only, or notify a collection agency that you are not the debtor.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features interlocking purple and green curved lines to the left of the text "Credit Counselling Society" in purple.

How to Communicate with Creditors and Collection Agencies

Credit Counselling Society

Information for people in debt about how to deal with creditors and collection agencies, including how to put an end to collection calls. Includes sample letters to the creditors.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features interlocking purple and green curved lines to the left of the text "Credit Counselling Society" in purple.

Help with Debt

Credit Counselling Society

This website tells you about the options you have to help manage your debt. Topics include dealing with creditors, getting out of debt, credit counselling, debt consolidation, debt settlement, consumer proposal, and bankruptcy.

Last reviewed March 2024