Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

First page of fact sheet with text in one column, with colourful bars for three provinces.

Personal Planning Tools Across Canada

Nidus Registry
A chart showing where you can get help for personal planning, which is making legal arrangements in the event you need assistance during your lifetime due to illness, injury, or disability. In BC, Nidus can help you make Representation Agreements and Enduring Powers of Attorney.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Permanent Transfer of Custody of a Child to Someone Familiar in BC

Government of British Columbia
When a temporary placement for a child is not possible, the alternative could be transferring custody to the caregiver by adoption or a court order. This page briefly describes the conditions, guardian’s responsibilities, financial support, rights, access orders, and future legal matters.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Permanent Disability Awards

Government of British Columbia
Explains you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits if you had a work-related injury or illness that permanently impacted you or your ability to work. Topics include what to expect when you’re referred to Long Term Disability Services, and how the benefits are calculated.
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: Peace Bonds and Assault Charges

People’s Law School
Explains peace bonds, which can offer protection if you fear for your safety. Topics include how peace bonds work, and what to do if a person disobeys a peace bond. It includes the steps you need to take to get a peace bond.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Paying Rent

Government of British Columbia
Explains the rights and requirements of a tenancy agreement for both tenants and landlords. Topics covered include paying rent on time, paying utilities and fees, what happens if rent is not paid, and what landlords must do to increase rent.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and an illustration of a child’s hand holding and adult’s hand, and the Legal Aid BC logo.

Parents’ Rights, Kids’ Rights: A Parent’s Guide to Child Protection Law in BC

Legal Aid BC
Explains what happens if the Director of Child Protection has concerns about a child's safety or plans to remove them. Describes collaborative (shared) planning, decision-making options, and presentation and protection hearings. Includes information for Indigenous families, where to get help, and definitions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Parents Legal Centres

Legal Aid BC
Describes Parents Legal Centres (PLCs), a Legal Aid BC service that provides a free lawyer and an advocate to help parents address child protection issues early on. The service is available to eligible parents any time after the social worker contacts them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Parenting Coordinators

Government of British Columbia
Explains that a parenting coordinator helps parents carry out their parenting agreement or order. A parenting coordinator does not create or change parenting arrangements. They help parents resolve disagreements about how parenting agreements or orders are put into effect. It also explains how to find a parenting coordinator.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, text, and the Department of Justice Canada logo.

Parenting Arrangements after Separation or Divorce

Government of Canada
This fact sheet provides general information about parenting after separation or divorce. Includes parenting arrangements for orders or agreements made or changed after the new Divorce Act came into force in 2021.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Parenting Apart

Government of British Columbia
The BC Ministry of Justice provides information to families that will parent apart. This resources answers basic questions that parents may have during a separation or divorce.
Last reviewed March 2024