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: Guardianship, Parenting Arrangements, and Contact

People’s Law School
Explains that when parents separate, they must work out the details of how their children will be cared for. This includes decisions about guardianship, parenting arrangements, and contact. Learn about these parenting after separation issues and the laws that apply. You can also find answers to some common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Going Through Separation

Legal Aid BC
Describes separation in BC and gives information on mediation, what to take with you when you separate, and how to prove you’re separated if you have to keep living with your ex-spouse.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Getting Started: Starting a Family Law Claim

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook can help you learn about how to start or respond to a family law proceeding in the BC Supreme Court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Getting Started: Legal Research

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook will help you learn about how to do legal research for a family law matter.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Getting Paid

People’s Law School
Practical information on your legal rights and options when it comes to getting paid in British Columbia. Topics include earning the minimum wage, hours of work and overtime, working statutory holidays, and what you can do if your employer hasn’t paid you.
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 Married in British Columbia

People’s Law School
You’ve decided to tie the knot. Congratulations! Learn the legal requirements to marry in British Columbia, as well as the steps involved (hint: you need a licence to get married).
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 Laid Off

People’s Law School
Explains your rights if you’re laid off from work. Topics cover termination, temporary layoffs, and reduction in hours. It gives you the steps you can take if you’re laid off, and provides links to more help.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Getting a Mortgage

People’s Law School
Explains what’s involved in getting a mortgage, and key things to watch for. These include signing the mortgage contract, deciding on the mortgage term, and negotiating the right to prepay. It explains why you might want an assumable mortgage, and describes mortgage loan insurance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Getting a Divorce

Legal Aid BC
Describes contested and uncontested divorces in BC and explains how laws in other countries might affect the process. Also includes step-by-step guides on how to do your own divorce without going to court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Get an Order to Waive Fees (Supreme Court)

Legal Aid BC
Online step-by-step guide on how to apply for an order to waive fees. This lets you begin or respond to a court application without paying the fees. Includes links to blank forms.
Last reviewed March 2024