Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Financial Abuse: Protecting British Columbia’s Seniors

Government of British Columbia
This fact sheet explains financial abuse and financial exploitation, which is a form of senior abuse. It explains financial abuse is a violation of trust. It gives examples and has tips for how you can prevent financial abuse and how to report it, provides useful resources, and explains who you can call for help.
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: Family Violence

People’s Law School
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, you have options. Help is available from the police, community workers, and the courts. Learn the steps you can take.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Mediators

Government of British Columbia
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that is facilitated by a neutral third party, a mediator. It can help resolve your family disputes including separation or divorce, without needing to go to court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: How to Enrol

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA is a free service helping families and children get the support payments they’re entitled to. This web page explains how to enrol in the program and get an order, and what to expect after sending an application.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Enforcing Orders Outside BC

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
How the BCFMA can help if the person paying child support lives outside BC.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Collection Actions

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
Lists the actions the BCFMA can take if the payor of child support falls behind on payments, such as garnishing wages or cancelling their driver’s licence.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a circular emblem with a stylized illustration of a family — an adult figure flanked by two children. The name "BC Family Maintenance Agency" is to the right.

Family Maintenance Enforcement Program: Child Support for Children over the Age of Majority

BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA)
BCFMA’s procedures for collecting child support for children over 19. It outlines conditions under which support may continue, such as the child attending school or having a disability.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Family Law: What Is a Priority Parenting Matter?

Government of British Columbia
Eight-minute video explains what a priority parenting matter is in BC Provincial Court. This includes health-related treatments and applications for passports, if delay will result in risk to a child; travel; change in a child’s residence; orders to prevent removal of a child; orders about wrongful removal of a child; and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Family Law in BC

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Information and self-help guides on family law in BC. Topics covered include abuse, adoption, child protection/removal, common-law relationships, custody and access, divorce and separation, child support, and spousal support.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Family Law Illustrated Scenarios

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Short, illustrated scenarios with likable characters sharing concerns and information about family law issues. These engaging picture stories are designed to capture readers’ own situations and lead them to online (and other) resources. On the Family Law in BC website.
Last reviewed March 2024