Common Questions by Topic

Answers to commonly asked legal questions, with useful resources selected by our librarians.
building with columns and book with bookmarks

Civil Court & Alternatives

Most Viewed Questions
What’s the difference between civil, family, and criminal law?
What’s the difference between small claims court and the Supreme Court of BC?
Where do I start for information on Traffic, Ticket, and Bylaw Court?
handcuffs and book icon

Crime & Victims

Most Viewed Questions
How do I do my own legal research as a self-represented litigant?
How does diversion work and how can I get it?
Where do I start for information on Criminal Court?
child and two older people under house roof, representing family

Family

Most Viewed Questions
How do I draft a final order for an undefended divorce?
My common-law partner died. What legal issues do I need to know about?
Where can I find court forms and the rules for the court?
house, key, tree

Housing & Tenancy

Most Viewed Questions
I’ve missed a few mortgage payments and am facing foreclosure. What do I do?
My landlord hasn’t carried out repairs. Can I stop paying rent?
My landlord is threatening to evict me. What do I do?
hand and credit card and dollar sign

Money, Debt & Consumer

Most Viewed Questions
How is income assistance different on and off reserve?
I’m going to the interview for income assistance. What do I need to know?
My home reno was a disaster. What can I do?
certificate with maple leaf and person

Rights & Citizenship

Most Viewed Questions
A friend was sponsored to come to Canada but the sponsor left her. What can she do?
I’ve been discriminated against in BC. What can I do?
What rights do people have around treatment for mental illness?
certificate and pen

Wills, Estates & Planning

Most Viewed Questions
How do I apply for probate?
How do I make a will?
What do I need to know as the executor of a will?