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: Child Support

People’s Law School
Parents have a legal duty to support their children, even if one parent doesn’t see or take care of the children. Learn about child support and how to get it.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Child Protection Mediation

Government of British Columbia
Sometimes people responsible for a child disagree with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Aboriginal child and family service agency about a child’s safety. Child protection mediation is a way to make a plan for a child’s safety with the help of an impartial person called a mediator.
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: Child Protection and Removal

People’s Law School
If someone reports that a child has been abused (or is likely to be), it starts a legal process designed to keep the child safe. Learn about child protection law.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Child Protection

Legal Aid BC
Describes what can happen if the ministry thinks your child’s safety is at risk, including your responsibilities and rights as a parent, how you can be involved in making decisions for your child’s future, and how to avoid having to go to court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Child Protection

Legal Aid BC
Identifies the law around child protection for Aboriginal children in BC, sets out some aspects of the child protection/removal process, and explains parents’ and the band’s rights and responsibilities.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a design with a heart and a teardrop shape, partially overlapping. There is a silhouette of a child holding a teddy bear.

Child Abuse Is Wrong: What Can I Do?

Government of Canada
This booklet is for the parents or guardians of children. It talks about child abuse in families. It answers questions about the law on child abuse in Canada. This booklet may also be useful even if you are not a parent, but you believe a child you know is being abused.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Child & Spousal Support

Legal Aid BC
Describes child and spousal support, how to track support payments, and what to do if the payor can’t or won’t pay.
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: Changing Your Name

People’s Law School
You may want to change your legal name because you’re getting married, because you’re getting divorced, or just because you feel like it. Learn what’s involved in changing your name.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, a photo of a person putting keys in a front door lock, and the Rise Women's Legal Centre logo.

Changing Locks When You Are a Renter in BC

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
After separating from a partner, you may want to know if you can change the locks to your rental home. Different living situations can create different legal rights and responsibilities. This guide will help you figure out if you can change the locks and how to get it done.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Changes to Strata Legislation

Government of British Columbia
Strata legislation is regularly updated. This page summarizes changes to the legislation since 2011, including being able to cancel the strata plan with an 80% vote of all owners.
Last reviewed March 2024