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."

Dial-a-Law: Going to Trial in Small Claims Court

People’s Law School

At a trial, the parties present evidence and a judge decides the case. If you’re going to trial in small claims court, learn how to prepare and what to expect.

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: Getting Your Judgment Paid

People’s Law School

If you take someone to court and the judge decides in your favour, it’s up to you to collect the money. Learn your options for getting your court judgment paid.

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: 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."

Dial-a-Law: Appearing in Court by Phone

People’s Law School

In some situations, parties may be able to attend court by telephone. But they’ll need to get court approval — in advance. Telephone hearings are more available before tribunals.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

What You Need to Know about Affidavits

National Self-Represented Litigants Project

This self-help resource provides information and instructions for creating an affidavit. It also contains an example affidavit.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

The CanLII Primer: Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for Self-Represented Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project

This primer is designed to help self-represented litigants (SRLs) navigate CanLII in order to prepare for the presentation of their cases — in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation. CanLII (canlii.org) is a free legal service that can be accessed by anyone on the web.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman working on a laptop. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

So You’re Representing Yourself: A Primer to Help You Get Ready to Represent Yourself in Family or Civil Court

National Self-Represented Litigants Project

This “getting you started” primer will give you an overview of the process if you’re planning to be a self-represented litigant in family or civil court.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, which features an image of a man working on a computer, along with the NSRLP logo and the logo for The Canadian Bar Association.

Settlement Smarts: Tips on Effectively Using Negotiation, Mediation and Judge-Led Settlement Processes

National Self-Represented Litigants Project

This primer helps you prepare and navigate the settlement processes you may encounter during your time as a self-represented litigant. Includes personal and strategic tips specific to the process.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

Reading and Understanding Case Reports: A Guide for Self-Represented Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project

This guide helps self-represented litigants (SRLs) with reading case reports. It gives advice on how to read and use case law in their legal research and is a companion to the CanLll primer. It includes a glossary of important terms and a list of court abbreviations.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman typing on a laptop. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

How to Order a Court Transcript Across Canada

National Self-Represented Litigants Project

This guide outlines the steps for ordering court transcripts in each province or territory. It compiles information from court websites, from telephone and email conversations with court services and transcript services at different courthouses, and from legal professionals.

Last reviewed March 2024