Clicklaw Wikibooks - User contributions [en]

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-11-06T22:44:47Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Changed the link for Civil forms

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/ItemDetails.aspx?Source=Asked+%26+Answered&ID=27b0d6ec-fe53-607b-975f-ff0000fad974 How Do I Draft a Final Order in an Undefended Divorce?] A short guide on one of the most common divorce forms.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.supremecourtbc.ca/supreme-court-civil-forms Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government, along with helpful notes. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

===Probate Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_probate.htm Supreme Court Probate Forms]. The Probate forms are available in PDF format to download, fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fopac.courthouselibrary.ca%2fCatalogues%2fResults.aspx Evin Ross Guide to Wills and Estates] contains a breakdown of each of the forms and other useful probate and estate information.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer:

*Adobe Reader Required - You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

*Google Chrome and Firefox Users - If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

*Apple and Mac Users - Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T23:11:22Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Added the How to Represent Yourself LSS link in Family Forms.

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4077 How to Represent Yourself in a Supreme Court Family Trial]. Outlines the stages of a Supreme Court family trial and contains links to resources to help you prepare.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/ItemDetails.aspx?Source=Asked+%26+Answered&ID=27b0d6ec-fe53-607b-975f-ff0000fad974 How Do I Draft a Final Order in an Undefended Divorce?] A short guide on one of the most common divorce forms.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

===Probate Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_probate.htm Supreme Court Probate Forms]. The Probate forms are available in PDF format to download, fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fopac.courthouselibrary.ca%2fCatalogues%2fResults.aspx Evin Ross Guide to Wills and Estates] contains a breakdown of each of the forms and other useful probate and estate information.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer:

*Adobe Reader Required - You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

*Google Chrome and Firefox Users - If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

*Apple and Mac Users - Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T23:08:31Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Added a link to the Final Order A&A in Family Forms

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/ItemDetails.aspx?Source=Asked+%26+Answered&ID=27b0d6ec-fe53-607b-975f-ff0000fad974 How Do I Draft a Final Order in an Undefended Divorce?] A short guide on one of the most common divorce forms.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

===Probate Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_probate.htm Supreme Court Probate Forms]. The Probate forms are available in PDF format to download, fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fopac.courthouselibrary.ca%2fCatalogues%2fResults.aspx Evin Ross Guide to Wills and Estates] contains a breakdown of each of the forms and other useful probate and estate information.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer:

*Adobe Reader Required - You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

*Google Chrome and Firefox Users - If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

*Apple and Mac Users - Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T23:05:18Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Changed the description of the Evin Ross Guide to Wills and Estates.

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

===Probate Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_probate.htm Supreme Court Probate Forms]. The Probate forms are available in PDF format to download, fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fopac.courthouselibrary.ca%2fCatalogues%2fResults.aspx Evin Ross Guide to Wills and Estates] contains a breakdown of each of the forms and other useful probate and estate information.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer:

*Adobe Reader Required - You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

*Google Chrome and Firefox Users - If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

*Apple and Mac Users - Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T23:04:17Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Added probate forms

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

===Probate Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_probate.htm Supreme Court Probate Forms]. The Probate forms are available in PDF format to download, fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fopac.courthouselibrary.ca%2fCatalogues%2fResults.aspx Evin Ross Guide to Wills and Estates] contains a breakdown of each of the forms and explains how to fill them.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer:

*Adobe Reader Required - You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

*Google Chrome and Firefox Users - If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

*Apple and Mac Users - Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T22:06:16Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Formatting

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer:

*Adobe Reader Required - You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

*Google Chrome and Firefox Users - If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

*Apple and Mac Users - Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T22:04:36Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Formatting

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer.

Adobe Reader Required

You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

Google Chrome and Firefox Users

If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

Apple and Mac Users

Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-26T22:03:43Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Added a compatibility section under Technical Assistance.

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

The PDF forms are subject to several web browser restrictions. The Supreme Court has the following guidelines for making sure the forms function properly on your computer.

Compatibility

Adobe Reader Required
You will require the latest version of Adobe Reader in order to use the forms. If you need to update your Reader software, please ensure you remove the old version of Reader before installing the new one. You may also want to be sure that your computer is not starting Adobe Acrobat instead of Reader when opening the forms and check your computer settings to make sure the CSB Smart Forms website is added as a trusted site.

Google Chrome and Firefox Users
If you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser you will need to do a onetime configuration on your browser before using the forms. You can find the steps for configuring your browser [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringFireFoxGoogleChrome.pdf here].

Apple and Mac Users
Currently, the forms are not compatible with Apple products, including Mac computers, iPads, etc. If you are using a Mac computer, you can download the desired document form the website by following the instructions [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/ConfiguringMacComputers.pdf here].

You can also use the forms by saving them to your hard drive. To do this, right click on the form you wish to use and save it to your computer.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

How the Law Works in Canada

2015-10-26T21:53:48Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Fixed a typo

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

In Canada, our law comes primarily from two sources: legislation and case law. Legislation is made by legislative bodies and case law is made by the courts.

==What is legislation?==
Often when someone talks about a law, they are referring to legislation, which are laws passed by governmental legislative bodies.

Legislative bodies include the federal parliament, provincial legislatures such as the Legislative Assembly of BC, and municipal councils such as the city of Vancouver or the village of Oliver. These legislative bodies pass laws, which are also referred to as legislation. Legislation includes laws that are referred to as ''acts'' or ''statutes'', as well as ''regulations''. Regulations outline the rules that go with specific acts. For example, the ''Compassionate Care Leave Regulation'' is one of the rules under the ''Employment Standards Act''.

Generally, you’ll want to find the most up-to-date, current versions of laws to help with your case. You can find links to current legislation on the Clicklaw page [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases Laws, Cases & Rules].

There are federal laws, which apply Canada-wide, and provincial laws, which apply only in that province. The federal government controls laws such as criminal law, banking and defence. The provincial governments control laws such as education and health. Sometimes provincial laws and federal laws overlap. For example, there are both provincial and federal laws related to family matters.

Municipalities are given power by provincial legislatures to pass bylaws about local matters such as zoning, parking and noise. Again, sometimes laws may overlap. For example, if you want to find out what the law says about prostitution in Vancouver, you need to check both the federal criminal code and the municipal anti-soliciting bylaw.

First Nations with treaties, such as Tsawwaassen and Nisga’a are self-governing. They have their own constitution and laws. Indian bands which are still governed by the federal ''Indian Act'' can pass bylaws for their band.

Good starting points to learn more about laws include:
*The factsheets [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides/BCLegGuide/BCBillBecomesLaw.aspx How a Bill Becomes Law in BC] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides/FedLegGuide/HowABillBecomesLawInCanada.aspx How a Bill Becomes a Law in Canada] from Courthouse Libraries BC.
*The book [https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/Product/Details/7610003430_S Legislation Made Easy]. It explains the legislative process in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. It is available in most public libraries.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2485 A Guide to Legislation and Legislative Process in British Columbia] from the BC Ministry of Justice. This explains the process in some depth.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Learning_about_the_Law_Wikibook Learning about the Law] by the People's Law School. A source of basic legal information aimed at newcomers to Canada.
*The web page [https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1421864597523/1421864622917#bylaws By-laws] from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
Also see the section in this guide [[How do I find the laws that concern my legal problem?]]

==What is case law?==
Canada (except for [http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/sujets/glossaire/code-civil-a.htm Quebec]) uses a system of law called “common law”. Common law means that courts are bound to follow the principles established by previous courts in similar cases dealing with similar facts. Finding case law similar to your own situation will help you understand how the courts may treat your own circumstances and the strength of your position in a dispute.

Case law is also referred to as “judge-made law”. Judge-made law refers to written decisions, reasons for judgment, judgments, and precedents. A case law decision reports the judge’s decision. A case law decision is not a word-for-word transcript of the entire courtroom proceedings. It does not contain any of the files from the court proceeding.

For more information on case law:
*Visit [https://www.canlii.org CANLII], the website of the Canadian Law Information Institute. At the home page, you can select by province, e.g. British Columbia. This website provides free access to court judgments and tribunal decisions as well as statutes and regulations from all Canadian jurisdictions.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2986 The CanLII Primer: Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for Self-Represented Litigants] has a chapter on “The System of Precedent”.
*Also see the section in this guide [[How Do I Find Case Law? | How do I find case law?]].

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__

How the Law Works in Canada

2015-10-26T21:53:12Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Added the "Learning about the Law" link in What is Legislation.

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

In Canada, our law comes primarily from two sources: legislation and case law. Legislation is made by legislative bodies and case law is made by the courts.

==What is legislation?==
Often when someone talks about a law, they are referring to legislation, which are laws passed by governmental legislative bodies.

Legislative bodies include the federal parliament, provincial legislatures such as the Legislative Assembly of BC, and municipal councils such as the city of Vancouver or the village of Oliver. These legislative bodies pass laws, which are also referred to as legislation. Legislation includes laws that are referred to as ''acts'' or ''statutes'', as well as ''regulations''. Regulations outline the rules that go with specific acts. For example, the ''Compassionate Care Leave Regulation'' is one of the rules under the ''Employment Standards Act''.

Generally, you’ll want to find the most up-to-date, current versions of laws to help with your case. You can find links to current legislation on the Clicklaw page [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases Laws, Cases & Rules].

There are federal laws, which apply Canada-wide, and provincial laws, which apply only in that province. The federal government controls laws such as criminal law, banking and defence. The provincial governments control laws such as education and health. Sometimes provincial laws and federal laws overlap. For example, there are both provincial and federal laws related to family matters.

Municipalities are given power by provincial legislatures to pass bylaws about local matters such as zoning, parking and noise. Again, sometimes laws may overlap. For example, if you want to find out what the law says about prostitution in Vancouver, you need to check both the federal criminal code and the municipal anti-soliciting bylaw.

First Nations with treaties, such as Tsawwaassen and Nisga’a are self-governing. They have their own constitution and laws. Indian bands which are still governed by the federal ''Indian Act'' can pass bylaws for their band.

Good starting points to learn more about laws include:
*The factsheets [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides/BCLegGuide/BCBillBecomesLaw.aspx How a Bill Becomes Law in BC] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides/FedLegGuide/HowABillBecomesLawInCanada.aspx How a Bill Becomes a Law in Canada] from Courthouse Libraries BC.
*The book [https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/Product/Details/7610003430_S Legislation Made Easy]. It explains the legislative process in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. It is available in most public libraries.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2485 A Guide to Legislation and Legislative Process in British Columbia] from the BC Ministry of Justice. This explains the process in some depth.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Learning_about_the_Law_Wikibook Learning about the Law] y the People's Law School. A source of basic legal information aimed at newcomers to Canada.
*The web page [https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1421864597523/1421864622917#bylaws By-laws] from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
Also see the section in this guide [[How do I find the laws that concern my legal problem?]]

==What is case law?==
Canada (except for [http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/sujets/glossaire/code-civil-a.htm Quebec]) uses a system of law called “common law”. Common law means that courts are bound to follow the principles established by previous courts in similar cases dealing with similar facts. Finding case law similar to your own situation will help you understand how the courts may treat your own circumstances and the strength of your position in a dispute.

Case law is also referred to as “judge-made law”. Judge-made law refers to written decisions, reasons for judgment, judgments, and precedents. A case law decision reports the judge’s decision. A case law decision is not a word-for-word transcript of the entire courtroom proceedings. It does not contain any of the files from the court proceeding.

For more information on case law:
*Visit [https://www.canlii.org CANLII], the website of the Canadian Law Information Institute. At the home page, you can select by province, e.g. British Columbia. This website provides free access to court judgments and tribunal decisions as well as statutes and regulations from all Canadian jurisdictions.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2986 The CanLII Primer: Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for Self-Represented Litigants] has a chapter on “The System of Precedent”.
*Also see the section in this guide [[How Do I Find Case Law? | How do I find case law?]].

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__

How Do I Find Court Forms?

2015-10-14T18:40:18Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Fixed a broken link in Affidavits

{{Template: Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==What are court forms?==
Court forms are official court documents that you have to use when you bring a dispute to court. If you are not sure which form to use, you may want to speak with a lawyer. See the section of this guide [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

==Where can I find court forms?==

Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/lawscases quicklinks to online laws, cases and rules] includes links to the forms for all levels of court. You can search these forms by name, or by number.

==Court forms: clarifying your question==
Do you have specific information about the form you need? For example: “The registry said I need Form F51 for Supreme Court Family.” In this case, go directly to the Supreme Court Family [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_family.htm court forms] page to find the one you need.

Or do you have a question that requires the help of other sources? For example: “I need child support forms.” In this instance, you may need to find some additional information from a source such as the [http://www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/fact_sheets/child_support.php Family Law in BC child support] page to explain different kinds of forms and procedures. In some cases, there are examples of completed forms online such as [[Supreme_Court_Forms_(Family_Law) | JP Boyd on Family Law, Supreme Court Forms]].

The Clicklaw website will help you find resources to help you understand which forms you use in each level of court, for example [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/global/search?f=Courts+%26+tribunals%7c1121&so=v going to small claims court].

==What if I have limited information?==

===If you have the form number:===

The form number helps determine which level of court it is from since each level of court numbers forms in different ways:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%" border="1"
|-
| style="width: 40%" | '''Level of Court''' || style="width: 60%"| '''Form Number'''
|-
| Small Claims Forms ||SCR or COEA followed by the #:
|-
| Provincial Court Family Forms ||Often PCFR followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Family Forms ||F followed by the #:
|-
| Supreme Court Civil Forms ||Just the #:
|}

===If you know the level of court:===

Click on the appropriate court forms link and you can look through the alphabetical list. If you still cannot find the form, you may need to look at secondary resources such as summaries or guides that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you know the form name:===

Look through the alphabetical list of forms for a few different levels of court. Sometimes different levels of court have forms with the same name. For example, if you are looking for a Requisition, you will need to know the level of court since nearly every level of court has a Requisition form.

===If you know the level of court but even after searching do not have the form name or form number:===

You may need to find an Affidavit (sworn written statement) form. However, nearly every level of court has an Affidavit form, and some have more than one type of Affidavit form, such as an Affidavit in Support to Waive Fees. If you do not know the level of court or the form number, you may need to look at secondary resources to figure out what the correct form is. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]].

===If you are just getting started and/or you do not know which forms you need:===
If you cannot find the form you’re looking for or if you are just getting started, you’ll need to look at secondary resources that focus on the legal problem you are dealing with. See the section in this guide [[Secondary Resources and How to Find Them | Secondary resources and how to find them]]. You may also wish to consult with one of the legal advice services described in section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]].

Clicklaw has common questions and links to guides that provide information about the forms required for certain legal procedures:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1006 Our marriage is over; do we have to go to court?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1112 I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?]
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1144 Varying support orders].

==Court forms: examples/guides==
Staff at [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/howwecanhelp.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] can help you find resources to find forms, but cannot help clients fill in court forms.

However, there are a number of guides and examples that may help with filling in court forms. Some of the most used resources include the following:

===Affidavits===
All levels of court in BC use affidavits. The following resources can help you get started:
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1505 A Guide to Preparing Your Affidavit]. Explains the purpose and requirements of an affidavit and gives examples and places to go for further help.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/How_Do_I_Prepare_an_Affidavit%3F How Do I Prepare an Affidavit?] Gives tips and explanations of affidavits and how to tell your story.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2752 Tips for drafting an affidavit]. Provides information for how to fill out a family law affidavit.

===Family Forms (Supreme & Provincial)===
*The [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/JP_Boyd_on_Family_Law Clicklaw wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law] has clearly laid out pages linking to blank and completed example family court forms. From the home page, scroll down to the ''Court Forms & Documents'' section.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1773 Family Law in BC Court Forms] page includes descriptions of how each form is used.

===Small Claims Forms===

*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1686 Small claims court forms] are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1688 The Small Claims Court Filing Assistant] is designed to help you complete small claims court forms online.

===Civil Forms===

*[http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/info/index_civil.htm Supreme Court of BC Civil Court Forms]. Civil forms are available online from the provincial government. The forms are in a PDF format that you can fill out and print.
*[http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/CatView.aspx?id=5440&noAuthRedir=1 Evin Ross’ Guide to Civil Litigation]. This is a helpful print resource that provides detailed instructions about forms and procedures. It is available at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC, and some public libraries.

===Court of Appeal Forms===
The [http://clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2601 Court of Appeal BC Online Help Guide] website has guides for people who are appealing civil/family and criminal matters.

==What if you are having technical trouble filling in your form?==
Filling in the PDF version of the forms can be quite tricky and frustrating. The Ministry of Justice site has a [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/other/supreme/2010SupRules/HowToForms.pdf guide for tips on how to use the forms]. However, if you are still having trouble with the online forms, contact one of the services listed in the section [[Where Can I Find Help with My Legal Problem? | Where can I find help with my legal problem?]]

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Courthouse Libraries BC]] staff, October 2015}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

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__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

Recommended Secondary Resources

2015-10-06T22:29:14Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Fixed the link to Brief Guide to Finding Court Documents in Handouts

{{DEMOWARNING}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==Clicklaw website==

'''Clicklaw website''' is BC’s primary resource for legal information. It links to a large collection of legal information resources for the public. See the handout [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Clicklaw_Handout__Top_Five_AND_HelpMap__12-08-28.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Clicklaw: 5 ways to search, and Using the Clicklaw HelpMap].

Clicklaw also includes [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Main_Page Clicklaw wikibooks], which are a series of 20 legal guides that are fully searchable, and can be downloaded in print or ePub formats. A good place to start is with the wikibook, Legal Help for British Columbians, which provides first steps for over 40 common legal problems.

==Legal Dictionaries and Glossaries==
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2219 Multilingual Legal Glossary]. Lists 5000 Canadian legal and court-related terms in English plain language, and their equivalents in eight other languages (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese).
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1493 BC Supreme Court Terms]. Provides brief definitions of commonly used legal terms to assist self-represented litigants with civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court of BC.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Terminology JP Boyd on Family law - Terminology]. Offers JP Boyd’s plain-language definitions of common legal words and phrases in family law.
*[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/complete/statreg/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl BC Laws Glossary]. Found in the Statutes and Regulations on bclaws.ca, this glossary offers further explanation of terms used in the legislation.
*[https://www.irwinlaw.com/cold Irwin Law’s Canadian Online Legal Dictionary]. A dictionary of terms defined in the glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law.
*[http://thelawdictionary.org/ Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary] 2nd Ed. An American resource, but can be helpful for universal legal terms.
*[http://www.bclibraries.ca/contacts/ Public libraries] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/default.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] have legal dictionaries available in print.

==Research Resources at Courthouse Libraries BC==

===Handouts===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Courthouse_Libraries_Who_We_Are_05-15.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Courthouse Libraries BC: Who We Are]. Describes how our information services and staff can help you do your legal research.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/findingcourtdocs2015.pdf?sfvrsn=2 A Brief Guide to Finding Court Documents]. Contains a series of questions and answers written for public librarians to help their patrons look for court documents.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/resources-to-help-with-notice-of-civil-claim---legal-basis.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Resources to Help with Notice of Civil Claim - Legal Basis]. Describes how to find information to write a legal basis for your case, including case law, BC legislation and BC Supreme Court Rules.

===Website tools===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos.aspx Video tutorials]. Includes [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos/FindingCasesOnPoint.aspx Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point], which demonstrates how to effectively conduct case law research.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides.aspx Guides]. These include BC legislation and federal legislation, and recent changes to the law.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/digitaltools1.aspx Digital tools]. These are available on computers at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/AskedAndAnswered.aspx Asked and Answered]. A collection of answers to tricky legal research questions.

===Recommended books & resources in areas of law, in print only===

The online [http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/Search.aspx catalogue] of Courthouse Libraries BC will show you which of our libraries contain any of the titles listed in these areas of law:
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/CivilLitigation/CivilLitRecs.aspx Civil Litigation]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/Familylaw/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Family]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/PersonalInjury/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Personal Injury]
*Other recommended texts:
**''Written Advocacy''. Includes sample precedents of pleadings (statements of claim, defences and counter-claims) and how to write an effective legal argument.
**''Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents and Pleadings''. Discusses how to draft pleadings and includes sample pleadings in areas such as defamation, employment law, judicial review, personal injury and privacy.
**''McLachlin & Taylor or British Columbia Court Forms''. Comprehensive textbook that discusses drafting pleadings and provides precedents.
**''Civil Trial Handbook''. Offers information about trial preparation and strategy. It combines legal and procedural material and gives practical information that includes objectives, pointers, and strategy.
**''Sanagan’s Encyclopedia of words and phrases, legal maxims, Canada''. Can help you find the meaning of legal words as defined by Canadian courts, and provide references to statutes or cases where words or phrases are defined.
**''Canadian Encyclopedic Digest''. Comprehensive encyclopedia of Canadian law, which includes references to relevant statutes and case law.
**''Halsbury’s Laws of Canada''. Describes over 100 legal topics, with references to relevant statutes and case law.

==Online Guides to Legal Research==
These are written for law students and lawyers to help them prepare for a case.
*[https://learnlsbc.ca/node/521 Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point] from the Law Society of BC. This online course of videos and quizzes was developed by Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://legalresearch.org/ Best Guide to Legal Research] by Catharine Best. Includes a link to [http://legalresearch.org/essentials/process/commentary/texts/suggested-textbooks/ Suggested Textbooks].
*[http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/resguide/beginnersguide.htm Research Guide for Beginners] from the Bora Laskin Law Library (Ontario).

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

Recommended Secondary Resources

2015-09-22T21:47:26Z

Roman Lanzarotta:

{{DEMOWARNING}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==Clicklaw website==

'''Clicklaw website''' is BC’s primary resource for legal information. It links to a large collection of legal information resources for the public. See the handout [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Clicklaw_Handout__Top_Five_AND_HelpMap__12-08-28.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Clicklaw: 5 ways to search, and Using the Clicklaw HelpMap].

Clicklaw also includes [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Main_Page Clicklaw wikibooks], which are a series of 20 legal guides that are fully searchable, and can be downloaded in print or ePub formats. A good place to start is with the wikibook, Legal Help for British Columbians, which provides first steps for over 40 common legal problems.

==Legal Dictionaries and Glossaries==
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2219 Multilingual Legal Glossary]. Lists 5000 Canadian legal and court-related terms in English plain language, and their equivalents in eight other languages (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese).
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1493 BC Supreme Court Terms]. Provides brief definitions of commonly used legal terms to assist self-represented litigants with civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court of BC.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Terminology JP Boyd on Family law - Terminology]. Offers JP Boyd’s plain-language definitions of common legal words and phrases in family law.
*[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/complete/statreg/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl BC Laws Glossary]. Found in the Statutes and Regulations on bclaws.ca, this glossary offers further explanation of terms used in the legislation.
*[https://www.irwinlaw.com/cold Irwin Law’s Canadian Online Legal Dictionary]. A dictionary of terms defined in the glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law.
*[http://thelawdictionary.org/ Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary] 2nd Ed. An American resource, but can be helpful for universal legal terms.
*[http://www.bclibraries.ca/contacts/ Public libraries] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/default.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] have legal dictionaries available in print.

==Research Resources at Courthouse Libraries BC==

===Handouts===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Courthouse_Libraries_Who_We_Are_05-15.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Courthouse Libraries BC: Who We Are]. Describes how our information services and staff can help you do your legal research. (Janet to update this handout)
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/FindingCourtDocs.doc?sfvrsn=0 A Brief Guide to Finding Court Documents]. Contains a series of questions and answers written for public librarians to help their patrons look for court documents.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/resources-to-help-with-notice-of-civil-claim---legal-basis.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Resources to Help with Notice of Civil Claim - Legal Basis]. Describes how to find information to write a legal basis for your case, including case law, BC legislation and BC Supreme Court Rules.

===Website tools===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos.aspx Video tutorials]. Includes [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos/FindingCasesOnPoint.aspx Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point], which demonstrates how to effectively conduct case law research.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides.aspx Guides]. These include BC legislation and federal legislation, and recent changes to the law.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/digitaltools1.aspx Digital tools]. These are available on computers at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/AskedAndAnswered.aspx Asked and Answered]. A collection of answers to tricky legal research questions.

===Recommended books & resources in areas of law, in print only===

The online [http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/Search.aspx catalogue] of Courthouse Libraries BC will show you which of our libraries contain any of the titles listed in these areas of law:
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/CivilLitigation/CivilLitRecs.aspx Civil Litigation]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/Familylaw/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Family]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/PersonalInjury/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Personal Injury]
*Other recommended texts:
**''Written Advocacy''. Includes sample precedents of pleadings (statements of claim, defences and counter-claims) and how to write an effective legal argument.
**''Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents and Pleadings''. Discusses how to draft pleadings and includes sample pleadings in areas such as defamation, employment law, judicial review, personal injury and privacy.
**''McLachlin & Taylor or British Columbia Court Forms''. Comprehensive textbook that discusses drafting pleadings and provides precedents.
**''Civil Trial Handbook''. Offers information about trial preparation and strategy. It combines legal and procedural material and gives practical information that includes objectives, pointers, and strategy.
**''Sanagan’s Encyclopedia of words and phrases, legal maxims, Canada''. Can help you find the meaning of legal words as defined by Canadian courts, and provide references to statutes or cases where words or phrases are defined.
**''Canadian Encyclopedic Digest''. Comprehensive encyclopedia of Canadian law, which includes references to relevant statutes and case law.
**''Halsbury’s Laws of Canada''. Describes over 100 legal topics, with references to relevant statutes and case law.

==Online Guides to Legal Research==
These are written for law students and lawyers to help them prepare for a case.
*[https://learnlsbc.ca/node/521 Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point] from the Law Society of BC. This online course of videos and quizzes was developed by Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://legalresearch.org/ Best Guide to Legal Research] by Catharine Best. Includes a link to [http://legalresearch.org/essentials/process/commentary/texts/suggested-textbooks/ Suggested Textbooks].
*[http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/resguide/beginnersguide.htm Research Guide for Beginners] from the Bora Laskin Law Library (Ontario).

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

Recommended Secondary Resources

2015-09-22T21:46:23Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Fixed a link - Who we are

{{DEMOWARNING}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==Clicklaw website==

'''Clicklaw website''' is BC’s primary resource for legal information. It links to a large collection of legal information resources for the public. See the handout [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Clicklaw_Handout__Top_Five_AND_HelpMap__12-08-28.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Clicklaw: 5 ways to search, and Using the Clicklaw HelpMap].

Clicklaw also includes [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Main_Page Clicklaw wikibooks], which are a series of 20 legal guides that are fully searchable, and can be downloaded in print or ePub formats. A good place to start is with the wikibook, Legal Help for British Columbians, which provides first steps for over 40 common legal problems.

==Legal Dictionaries and Glossaries==
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2219 Multilingual Legal Glossary]. Lists 5000 Canadian legal and court-related terms in English plain language, and their equivalents in eight other languages (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese).
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1493 BC Supreme Court Terms]. Provides brief definitions of commonly used legal terms to assist self-represented litigants with civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court of BC.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Terminology JP Boyd on Family law - Terminology]. Offers JP Boyd’s plain-language definitions of common legal words and phrases in family law.
*[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/complete/statreg/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl BC Laws Glossary]. Found in the Statutes and Regulations on bclaws.ca, this glossary offers further explanation of terms used in the legislation.
*[https://www.irwinlaw.com/cold Irwin Law’s Canadian Online Legal Dictionary]. A dictionary of terms defined in the glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law.
*[http://thelawdictionary.org/ Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary] 2nd Ed. An American resource, but can be helpful for universal legal terms.
*[http://www.bclibraries.ca/contacts/ Public libraries] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/default.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] have legal dictionaries available in print.

==Research Resources at Courthouse Libraries BC==

===Handouts===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Courthouse_Libraries_Who_We_Are.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Courthouse Libraries BC: Who We Are]. Describes how our information services and staff can help you do your legal research. (Janet to update this handout)
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/FindingCourtDocs.doc?sfvrsn=0 A Brief Guide to Finding Court Documents]. Contains a series of questions and answers written for public librarians to help their patrons look for court documents.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/resources-to-help-with-notice-of-civil-claim---legal-basis.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Resources to Help with Notice of Civil Claim - Legal Basis]. Describes how to find information to write a legal basis for your case, including case law, BC legislation and BC Supreme Court Rules.

===Website tools===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos.aspx Video tutorials]. Includes [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos/FindingCasesOnPoint.aspx Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point], which demonstrates how to effectively conduct case law research.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides.aspx Guides]. These include BC legislation and federal legislation, and recent changes to the law.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/digitaltools1.aspx Digital tools]. These are available on computers at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/AskedAndAnswered.aspx Asked and Answered]. A collection of answers to tricky legal research questions.

===Recommended books & resources in areas of law, in print only===

The online [http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/Search.aspx catalogue] of Courthouse Libraries BC will show you which of our libraries contain any of the titles listed in these areas of law:
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/CivilLitigation/CivilLitRecs.aspx Civil Litigation]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/Familylaw/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Family]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/PersonalInjury/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Personal Injury]
*Other recommended texts:
**''Written Advocacy''. Includes sample precedents of pleadings (statements of claim, defences and counter-claims) and how to write an effective legal argument.
**''Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents and Pleadings''. Discusses how to draft pleadings and includes sample pleadings in areas such as defamation, employment law, judicial review, personal injury and privacy.
**''McLachlin & Taylor or British Columbia Court Forms''. Comprehensive textbook that discusses drafting pleadings and provides precedents.
**''Civil Trial Handbook''. Offers information about trial preparation and strategy. It combines legal and procedural material and gives practical information that includes objectives, pointers, and strategy.
**''Sanagan’s Encyclopedia of words and phrases, legal maxims, Canada''. Can help you find the meaning of legal words as defined by Canadian courts, and provide references to statutes or cases where words or phrases are defined.
**''Canadian Encyclopedic Digest''. Comprehensive encyclopedia of Canadian law, which includes references to relevant statutes and case law.
**''Halsbury’s Laws of Canada''. Describes over 100 legal topics, with references to relevant statutes and case law.

==Online Guides to Legal Research==
These are written for law students and lawyers to help them prepare for a case.
*[https://learnlsbc.ca/node/521 Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point] from the Law Society of BC. This online course of videos and quizzes was developed by Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://legalresearch.org/ Best Guide to Legal Research] by Catharine Best. Includes a link to [http://legalresearch.org/essentials/process/commentary/texts/suggested-textbooks/ Suggested Textbooks].
*[http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/resguide/beginnersguide.htm Research Guide for Beginners] from the Bora Laskin Law Library (Ontario).

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

Secondary Resources and How to Find Them

2015-09-04T20:30:16Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Altered the content of the Reading Guides hyperlink.

{{DEMOWARNING}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==Secondary resources are the place to start==

Secondary resources include books, websites, online guides, and pamphlets that explain the topic and provide references to case law, laws, rules, and forms.

It is generally best to start your research by looking at secondary resources. They may provide an overview in plain language. They may also save you time by pulling together a lot of the information you need in one resource.

Secondary resources range from very basic information summaries to detailed do-it-yourself guides. At the technical legal end, they also include specialist texts on various topics and lawyers’ tools.

==Locations to find secondary resources==
*The website Clicklaw features secondary resources. See the handout [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Clicklaw_Handout__Top_Five_AND_HelpMap__12-08-28.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Clicklaw: 5 ways to search, and Using the Clicklaw HelpMap].
*Public libraries throughout the province contain many titles in print of secondary resources, depending on the size of the library. To find a library in your community, see the [http://www.bclibraries.ca/contacts/ BC Libraries site]. For lists of titles that a public library might have, see these [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/legal-information-reading-list-2015.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Reading Guides].
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/default.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] offer extensive resources of specialist texts and tools for lawyers. These are described in [[Recommended Secondary Resources#Research Resources at Courthouse Libraries BC | Research resources at Courthouse Libraries BC]].

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information Navbox}}

{{Creative Commons for Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information}}

__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOTOC__

Recommended Secondary Resources

2015-09-04T20:26:24Z

Roman Lanzarotta:

{{DEMOWARNING}}

{{Template:Beginner's Guide to Finding Legal Information TOC}}

==Clicklaw website==

'''Clicklaw website''' is BC’s primary resource for legal information. It links to a large collection of legal information resources for the public. See the handout [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Clicklaw_Handout__Top_Five_AND_HelpMap__12-08-28.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Clicklaw: 5 ways to search, and Using the Clicklaw HelpMap].

Clicklaw also includes [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Main_Page Clicklaw wikibooks], which are a series of 20 legal guides that are fully searchable, and can be downloaded in print or ePub formats. A good place to start is with the wikibook, Legal Help for British Columbians, which provides first steps for over 40 common legal problems.

==Legal Dictionaries and Glossaries==
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2219 Multilingual Legal Glossary]. Lists 5000 Canadian legal and court-related terms in English plain language, and their equivalents in eight other languages (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese).
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1493 BC Supreme Court Terms]. Provides brief definitions of commonly used legal terms to assist self-represented litigants with civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court of BC.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Terminology JP Boyd on Family law - Terminology]. Offers JP Boyd’s plain-language definitions of common legal words and phrases in family law.
*[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/complete/statreg/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl BC Laws Glossary]. Found in the Statutes and Regulations on bclaws.ca, this glossary offers further explanation of terms used in the legislation.
*[https://www.irwinlaw.com/cold Irwin Law’s Canadian Online Legal Dictionary]. A dictionary of terms defined in the glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law.
*[http://thelawdictionary.org/ Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary] 2nd Ed. An American resource, but can be helpful for universal legal terms.
*[http://www.bclibraries.ca/contacts/ Public libraries] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/default.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] have legal dictionaries available in print.

==Research Resources at Courthouse Libraries BC==

===Handouts===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Courthouse_Libraries_Who_We_Are.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Courthouse Libraries BC: Who We Are]. Describes how our information services and staff can help you do your legal research. (Janet to update this handout)
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/FindingCourtDocs.doc?sfvrsn=0 A Brief Guide to Finding Court Documents]. Contains a series of questions and answers written for public librarians to help their patrons look for court documents.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/resources-to-help-with-notice-of-civil-claim---legal-basis.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Resources to Help with Notice of Civil Claim - Legal Basis]. Describes how to find information to write a legal basis for your case, including case law, BC legislation and BC Supreme Court Rules.

===Website tools===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos.aspx Video tutorials]. Includes [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos/FindingCasesOnPoint.aspx Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point], which demonstrates how to effectively conduct case law research.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides.aspx Guides]. These include BC legislation and federal legislation, and recent changes to the law.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/digitaltools1.aspx Digital tools]. These are available on computers at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/AskedAndAnswered.aspx Asked and Answered]. A collection of answers to tricky legal research questions.

===Recommended books & resources in areas of law, in print only===

The online [http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/Search.aspx catalogue] of Courthouse Libraries BC will show you which of our libraries contain any of the titles listed in these areas of law:
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/CivilLitigation/CivilLitRecs.aspx Civil Litigation]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/Familylaw/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Family]
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/PersonalInjury/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Personal Injury]
*Other recommended texts:
**''Written Advocacy''. Includes sample precedents of pleadings (statements of claim, defences and counter-claims) and how to write an effective legal argument.
**''Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents and Pleadings''. Discusses how to draft pleadings and includes sample pleadings in areas such as defamation, employment law, judicial review, personal injury and privacy.
**''McLachlin & Taylor or British Columbia Court Forms''. Comprehensive textbook that discusses drafting pleadings and provides precedents.
**''Civil Trial Handbook''. Offers information about trial preparation and strategy. It combines legal and procedural material and gives practical information that includes objectives, pointers, and strategy.
**''Sanagan’s Encyclopedia of words and phrases, legal maxims, Canada''. Can help you find the meaning of legal words as defined by Canadian courts, and provide references to statutes or cases where words or phrases are defined.
**''Canadian Encyclopedic Digest''. Comprehensive encyclopedia of Canadian law, which includes references to relevant statutes and case law.
**''Halsbury’s Laws of Canada''. Describes over 100 legal topics, with references to relevant statutes and case law.

==Online Guides to Legal Research==
These are written for law students and lawyers to help them prepare for a case.
*[https://learnlsbc.ca/node/521 Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point] from the Law Society of BC. This online course of videos and quizzes was developed by Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://legalresearch.org/ Best Guide to Legal Research] by Catharine Best. Includes a link to [http://legalresearch.org/essentials/process/commentary/texts/suggested-textbooks/ Suggested Textbooks].
*[http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/resguide/beginnersguide.htm Research Guide for Beginners] from the Bora Laskin Law Library (Ontario).

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Recommended Secondary Resources

2015-09-04T20:24:10Z

Roman Lanzarotta: Added the heading and description for Resources to Help with Notice of Civil Claim. Made "Recommended books & resources in areas of law" into its own heading.

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==Clicklaw website==

'''Clicklaw website''' is BC’s primary resource for legal information. It links to a large collection of legal information resources for the public. See the handout [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Clicklaw_Handout__Top_Five_AND_HelpMap__12-08-28.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Clicklaw: 5 ways to search, and Using the Clicklaw HelpMap].

Clicklaw also includes [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Main_Page Clicklaw wikibooks], which are a series of 20 legal guides that are fully searchable, and can be downloaded in print or ePub formats. A good place to start is with the wikibook, Legal Help for British Columbians, which provides first steps for over 40 common legal problems.

==Legal Dictionaries and Glossaries==
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/2219 Multilingual Legal Glossary]. Lists 5000 Canadian legal and court-related terms in English plain language, and their equivalents in eight other languages (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese).
*[http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1493 BC Supreme Court Terms]. Provides brief definitions of commonly used legal terms to assist self-represented litigants with civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court of BC.
*[http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Terminology JP Boyd on Family law - Terminology]. Offers JP Boyd’s plain-language definitions of common legal words and phrases in family law.
*[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/complete/statreg/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl BC Laws Glossary]. Found in the Statutes and Regulations on bclaws.ca, this glossary offers further explanation of terms used in the legislation.
*[https://www.irwinlaw.com/cold Irwin Law’s Canadian Online Legal Dictionary]. A dictionary of terms defined in the glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law.
*[http://thelawdictionary.org/ Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary] 2nd Ed. An American resource, but can be helpful for universal legal terms.
*[http://www.bclibraries.ca/contacts/ Public libraries] and [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/default.aspx Courthouse Libraries BC] have legal dictionaries available in print.

==Research Resources at Courthouse Libraries BC==

===Handouts===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/Courthouse_Libraries_Who_We_Are.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Courthouse Libraries BC: Who We Are]. Describes how our information services and staff can help you do your legal research. (Janet to update this handout)
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/FindingCourtDocs.doc?sfvrsn=0 A Brief Guide to Finding Court Documents]. Contains a series of questions and answers written for public librarians to help their patrons look for court documents.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/docs/default-source/lawmatters/resources-to-help-with-notice-of-civil-claim---legal-basis.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Resources to Help with Notice of Civil Claim - Legal Basis]. Describes how to find information to write a legal basis for your case, including case law, BC legislation and BC Supreme Court Rules.

===Website tools===
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos.aspx Video tutorials]. Includes [http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/videos/FindingCasesOnPoint.aspx Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point], which demonstrates how to effectively conduct case law research.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/HowToGuides.aspx Guides]. These include BC legislation and federal legislation, and recent changes to the law.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/clientservices/digitaltools1.aspx Digital tools]. These are available on computers at branches of Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/training/AskedAndAnswered.aspx Asked and Answered]. A collection of answers to tricky legal research questions.

===Recommended books & resources in areas of law, in print only===

The online [http://opac.courthouselibrary.ca/Catalogues/Search.aspx catalogue] of Courthouse Libraries BC will show you which of our libraries contain any of the titles listed in these areas of law:
**[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/CivilLitigation/CivilLitRecs.aspx Civil Litigation]
**[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/Familylaw/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Family]
**[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/practice/PersonalInjury/RecommendedBooksResources.aspx Personal Injury]
**Other recommended texts:
***''Written Advocacy''. Includes sample precedents of pleadings (statements of claim, defences and counter-claims) and how to write an effective legal argument.
***''Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents and Pleadings''. Discusses how to draft pleadings and includes sample pleadings in areas such as defamation, employment law, judicial review, personal injury and privacy.
***''McLachlin & Taylor or British Columbia Court Forms''. Comprehensive textbook that discusses drafting pleadings and provides precedents.
***''Civil Trial Handbook''. Offers information about trial preparation and strategy. It combines legal and procedural material and gives practical information that includes objectives, pointers, and strategy.
***''Sanagan’s Encyclopedia of words and phrases, legal maxims, Canada''. Can help you find the meaning of legal words as defined by Canadian courts, and provide references to statutes or cases where words or phrases are defined.
***''Canadian Encyclopedic Digest''. Comprehensive encyclopedia of Canadian law, which includes references to relevant statutes and case law.
***''Halsbury’s Laws of Canada''. Describes over 100 legal topics, with references to relevant statutes and case law.

==Online Guides to Legal Research==
These are written for law students and lawyers to help them prepare for a case.
*[https://learnlsbc.ca/node/521 Legal Research Essentials: Finding Cases on Point] from the Law Society of BC. This online course of videos and quizzes was developed by Courthouse Libraries BC.
*[http://legalresearch.org/ Best Guide to Legal Research] by Catharine Best. Includes a link to [http://legalresearch.org/essentials/process/commentary/texts/suggested-textbooks/ Suggested Textbooks].
*[http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/resguide/beginnersguide.htm Research Guide for Beginners] from the Bora Laskin Law Library (Ontario).

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