Legal Services

Find organizations that provide legal help in BC. Most services are free or low cost.

The logo features a stylized infinity symbol, with the female symbol joined to the infinity symbol on the bottom left, and the male symbol joined to the infinity symbol on the top right. The words "Catherine While Holman Wellness Centre" are to the right of the female symbol.

Summary legal advice

Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
Provides low-barrier wellness services to trans and gender-diverse people. Volunteer lawyers offer summary advice about legal issues you may have — family law, human rights, employment, immigration, etc. (But they can’t take on your case and act for you as your lawyer.) They can also notarize documents, for example for a name or gender change.
Last reviewed July 2024
The logo consists of a shield with the text "University of Victoria" below it, and the text "Law" below that. The shield features three red birds at the top, a book with yellow pages in the centre, and alternating blue and white horizontal stripes at the bottom.

Shut-In and Hospital Legal Services

The Law Centre at the University of Victoria
Persons who are hospitalized or who can’t attend the Law Centre in person because of disability or illness may telephone the office for more information. A staff member may arrange to visit them. (The Law Centre staff won’t give legal advice over the telephone.)
Last reviewed July 2024
The logo features a stylized pale purple tree with green leaves over the words, in blue, "Family Services of Greater Victoria."

Separation Resource Services

Family Services of Greater Victoria (formerly BC Families in Transition)
Helps you work out your next steps if you’re pre-separated or recently separated by giving you key information as the first step towards a non-adversarial process in settling your family law matters. They don’t provide legal advice, but for a small fee offer coaching, help filling out court forms & accompany you to lawyer appointments or court.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)

Seniors First BC
SAIL is a safe place for older adults to talk to someone about situations where they feel they’re being abused or mistreated. They provide information about elder abuse and the legal rights of older adults to friends, family members, and professionals who are concerned about an older adult.
Last reviewed July 2024
Rise logo with organization name and bird icon

Rise Women’s Legal Centre

Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Provides free or low-cost legal services to self-identified women. Services are provided by upper-year law students, who are supervised by staff lawyers. Rise offers a range of services, from information and summary advice to unbundled legal services, and in some instances representation in court. Make an appointment online, by phone, or by email.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle, to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Legal aid navigators

Legal Aid BC
Legal Aid BC staff who guide you through the legal aid process, if you're a legal aid client. They answer questions about legal aid, provide practical support, help with your appointments, communicate with your lawyers, find specialized support services for your needs, and connect you with duty counsel, Family LawLINE, and other community services.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Justice Access Centres

Government of British Columbia
For when you need help with family law issues that affect your everyday life. They can help assess what you need, provide information about your legal and related issues, and refer you to the services that are available for your situation. They offer self-help services, needs assessment, dispute resolution and mediation options, and more.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle, to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Indigenous community legal workers

Legal Aid BC
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.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with the text "Amici Curiae" in blue and "Friends of Court" in brown forming a circular border around a blue scale of justice in the centre.

Help with preparing for a virtual appearance

Amici Curiae (AC) Friends of Court
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.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with the text "Amici Curiae" in blue and "Friends of Court" in brown forming a circular border around a blue scale of justice in the centre.

Help with legal forms

Amici Curiae (AC) Friends of Court
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.
Last reviewed July 2024