Legal Services

Legal Aid BC staff who give legal information and limited legal advice, including about the legal process. They also attend court with you, help you prepare forms and letters, participate in negotiations, talk on your behalf (to MCFD staff, legal aid lawyers, duty counsel, or your band), and give referrals to other services.

Nidus can help you with personal planning. You can contact them on behalf of an adult you’re helping. They have a trained volunteer who helps with education, with forms for making a representation agreement, and with using the Nidus Registry. You need to book ahead for an in-person appointment in South Granville Seniors Centre (in Vancouver).

AC helps British Columbians prepare for their virtual appearance. Use the online form on their website to make an appointment. The coaching provided includes how to behave during the court session, what to do when emotionally challenged, and other helpful tips. Email legalformsbc@gmail.com.

Get help with completing legal forms and court forms in civil and family matters at the Provincial Court of BC, Supreme Court of BC, BC Court of Appeal, federal court, and tribunals. They help with forms for legal issues such as Indigenous rights, animal law, foreclosure, mental health, income assistance, parole, small claims, and immigration.

Family experts are available on the helpline to answer your questions about the Disability Tax Credit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan, estate planning, advocacy approaches, government benefit programs, social network building, and more.

These service providers located throughout BC have partnered with Legal Aid BC to improve access to legal aid services in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities. They help you get free legal information, call legal aid, find your nearest legal aid location, get legal help online, and connect with people who can help.

A province-wide toll-free telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide criminal law advice. You can call to speak to a lawyer if you’re arrested, detained, or under active investigation by the police or another law enforcement agency for a criminal offence, but not yet charged, and in need of emergency legal services.

Offers representation for people who have applied for a review panel hearing with the Mental Health Review Board under the Mental Health Act, and for people who have a BC Review Board hearing under the Mental Disorder Provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Lawyers for people in detention at the Canada Border Services Agency’s enforcement centre in Vancouver. They can give advice regarding procedures and your legal rights, and may appear on your behalf at detention hearings. You don’t have to meet financial eligibility requirements for these services.

Lawyers who can help you in Provincial Court if you’re charged with a crime, and can’t get a legal aid lawyer, or haven’t yet applied for legal aid. They can give you advice about the charges, court procedures, and your legal rights, and can represent you at a bail hearing. If there’s time, duty counsel can help with a guilty plea.