Find websites and materials written in plain language.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This primer contains a concise summary of Pintea v. Johns. It also demonstrates a number of ways that Pintea may be successfully applied in a legal argument, and highlights specific limitations as well. It also includes summaries of two other very important decisions for SRLs that you can use.
Provides info on what to expect on your day in court. For example, what does the courtroom look like? When do I stand and sit? How do I address the judge? Includes practical information on how to present your evidence, object, question witnesses, and make opening and closing statements.
This guide is for self-represented litigants (SRLs) who are also people with disabilities (PWDs). It provides information on disability accommodations and resources in the justice system. It includes a sample letter of accommodation request and what to do if you’re still experiencing barriers.
This website describes mediation, including the role of a mediator and how to choose a mediator. It also provides information about family mediation, civil mediation, “med-arb” (mediation and arbitration), and mediating at a distance. The site has a searchable directory of civil, family, and child protection mediators.
Outlines the roles and responsibilities of the client and lawyer so that each knows what to expect from the legal aid contract. Explains what the lawyer’s time on the case includes, change of lawyer requests, and how to make a complaint.
