Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Resources

Seniors First BC
A list of province-wide support services for older adults.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Representation Agreements

People’s Law School
Presenters in this webinar discuss what you need to know about representation agreements.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the fact sheet, which starts with information about who can revoke a representation agreement. The NIDUS logo is at the top of the page.

Representation Agreement Resource: Procedures to Revoke (Cancel) a Representation Agreement

Nidus Registry
Explains what is legally required for a valid revocation (cancellation) of an existing representation agreement. Note that making a new agreement does not automatically revoke a previous one. A Notice of Revocation form is also provided.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the fact sheet, illustrated with a small photo of a middle-aged man with his arm round his mother. She is smiling.

Representation Agreement Overview

Nidus Registry
This Nidus fact sheet introduces the representation agreement, which is governed by the Representation Agreement Act. It describes two types of agreements — RA7 and RA9 — and answers common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with title, text, and Nidus logo.

Refusing Health Care: What Are My Rights?

Nidus Registry
This fact sheet answers questions based on BC law about health care consent. Can I refuse health care? What does it mean to be capable of informed consent? Can I request assistance with dying? If I’m incapable, who can consent on my behalf? How can I be proactive and plan?
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: Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements

People’s Law School
Explains how to prepare for the possibility of one day needing someone to help you make decisions about your health care, legal affairs, or finances. Topics include power of attorney, enduring power of attorney, and representation agreements.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the words "Alzheimer" in dark blue and "Society" in light blue.

Planning for Your Future

Alzheimer Society of Canada
Tips on making an advance care plan, arranging a power of attorney, writing a will, and deciding on future living arrangements if you have dementia.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover featuring a photo of two women sitting at a table with a laptop, in conversation. One is elderly with short white hair, and the other is younger with long dark hair.

Planning for Your Future

People’s Law School
This booklet is for adults in BC who want to plan for their future. It covers arrangements you can put in place now or for when you’re unable to handle your own affairs. It explains your options for planning in four areas: health care and personal care, as well financial affairs and legal matters.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the handbook cover featuring four photos on a yellow background: an elderly man with a younger woman, a senior couple with a child, a middle-aged couple, and an elderly man in a hospital bed.

My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment

Government of British Columbia
Helps you make an advance care plan that outlines your wishes about future health care decisions if you become unable to express your treatment wish (perhaps because of illness or injury). It includes forms that are legally valid if completed properly.
Last reviewed March 2024
First page of fact sheet with text in two columns.

Medical Assistance in Dying — Fact Sheet

Nidus Registry
Explains MAiD and who is eligible, who can provide MAiD, what happens if you are mentally incapable or if you cannot physically sign, who can witness a MAiD request, the cost, where you get forms, what to do if you are refused, if you can refuse health care, if you have to request MAiD at end-of-life, and resources from Nidus.
Last reviewed March 2024