Where to Get Help for Managing Someone Else's Money

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Kevin Smith in January 2018.

Local & provincial agencies

Better Business Bureau

A non-profit organization that assists people in finding businesses they can trust. You can file a complaint about a business or report a scam.

Lower Mainland: 1-888-803-1222
Vancouver Island: 1-877-826-4222
www.bbb.org

Consumer Protection BC

A non-profit organization that helps protect consumers in BC. They provide assistance and investigate complaints relating to certain types of consumer problems and contracts.

Toll-free: 1-888-564-9963
info@consumerprotectionbc.ca
www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre

A non-profit organization providing people in BC with information on personal planning, and assistance to make and use representation agreements. They offer extensive resources for attorneys acting under an enduring power of attorney. They also host a registry for personal planning documents.

info@nidus.ca
www.nidus.ca

Provincial Health Authorities

If abuse of an older adult is suspected, an agency designated under the law in BC can investigate. The provincial health authorities are designated agencies. These agencies can offer support to the older adult or take steps to protect them.

Designated Agencies Contact Information

Public Guardian and Trustee

This public body can investigate the misuse of a power of attorney where the adult has become mentally incapable. It also provides financial management and legal decision-making for vulnerable adults.

700 - 808 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3L3
604-660-4444
www.trustee.bc.ca

Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)

A safe, confidential place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention.

Lower Mainland: 604-437-1940
Toll-free: 1-866-437-1940
www.seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail

Seniors Advocate BC

The Office of the Seniors Advocate BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in the province, and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues.

Victoria: 250-952-3181
Toll-free: 1-877-952-3181
info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca
www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca

SeniorsBC

This provincial government website provides information about BC government programs and services for older adults.

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors

Service BC (Enquiry BC)

Call toll-free to reach provincial government offices and services throughout British Columbia from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Service BC offices are the business offices of the provincial government in about 60 communities across the province.

Lower Mainland: 604-660-2421
Victoria: 250-387-6121
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
TTY/TDD for hearing impaired: 1-800-661-8773
enquirybc@gov.bc.ca
www2.gov.bc.ca

For legal help

Access Pro Bono

Volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice to qualifying persons who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a lawyer.

604-878-7400
accessprobono.ca

Lawyer Referral Service

Access Pro Bono offers referrals to lawyers who can provide a free 15-minute consultation. (Try to organize your information in advance so as to make efficient use of the time available.)

604-687-3221
accessprobono.ca

Seniors First BC

A non-profit organization providing free legal services for people age 55 and over. Older adults experiencing issues with debt, tenancy matters, or pensions or benefits can be assisted by a legal advocate. An Elder Law Clinic offers lawyers experienced in matters involving capacity, residential care, and elder abuse or neglect.  

Lower Mainland: 604-437-1940
Toll free: 1-866-437-1940
seniorsfirstbc.ca

For accounting and financial help

Accountants

Find a local chartered professional accountant on the website of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.

www.bccpa.ca

Quicken

Quicken is a software program from Intuit that can help with managing personal funds. The company also offers a free online service for personal finances, called Mint. These services help you set budgets, track spending and pay bills.

www.quicken.com

Self Counsel Press Guides

Self Counsel Press publishes do-it-yourself guides on legal and financial topics for BC, including Financial Care for Your Aging Parent, Personal Budgeting Kit and Protect Your Elderly Parents: Become Your Parents’ Guardian or Trustee. These guides include templates and forms to help with budgeting, inventories and staying organized.

www.self-counsel.com



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