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A guide for non-legal professionals in British Columbia to learn where to direct clients when legal problems occur. It can also be used directly by those seeking assistance with their legal problem.
{{Cover Thumbnail
|filename = Legalhelpguidecover.png
|title = ''Legal Help for British Columbians''}}'''''Legal Help for British Columbians''''' is a resource for non-legal professionals in British Columbia who have clients with legal problems and little money to deal with them. For over 40 common legal problems, the Guide provides first steps to address the problem and options for further information or help.


The Guide can also be used directly by those seeking assistance with their legal problem. {{Clicklaw Wikibooks Badge}}{{Export_Badge
|SavedBookName = Legal_Help_for_British_Columbians
}}
== Contents ==
== Contents ==
{{Cover Thumbnail
 
|filename = Legalhelpguidecover.png
|title = Legal Help for British Columbians
}}{{Clicklaw Wikibooks Badge}}{{PDF Version
|URL = http://blog.clicklaw.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/Legal_Help_for_British_Columbians_3rd_Edition.pdf
|date = November 2011
}}
*[[Introduction to Legal Help for British Columbians|Introduction]]  
*[[Introduction to Legal Help for British Columbians|Introduction]]  


=== Getting Started ===  
=== Getting Started ===  
* [[Know any good lawyers?]]
* [[Know Any Good Lawyers?]]


=== Common Legal Problems ===  
=== Common Legal Problems ===  
 
{| class="table-chapters-books"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Complaints about Police and Other Authorities]]'''  
*'''[[Complaints about Police and Other Authorities]]'''  
**[[I was harassed or assaulted by the police]]{{·}} [[A provincial government worker was abusive to me]]{{·}} [[A federal government worker was abusive to me]]{{·}} [[I was abused in a Residential School]]
**[[I Was Harassed or Assaulted by the Police]]{{·}} [[A Provincial Government Worker Was Abusive to Me]]{{·}} [[A Federal Government Worker Was Abusive to Me]]{{·}} [[I Was Abused in a Residential School]]
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Neil Chantler]] and [[Cliff Thorstenson]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Consumer and Debt Problems|Consumer and Debt]]'''
*'''[[Consumer and Debt Problems|Consumer and Debt]]'''
**[[I don't have enough money to pay my debts]]{{·}} [[The bank is threatening foreclosure on my home]]{{·}} [[A debt collector is harassing me]]{{·}} [[I bought a product from a door-to-door salesperson and no longer want it]]{{·}} [[My car broke down and the dealer won’t fix it]]
**[[I Don't Have Enough Money to Pay My Debts]]{{·}} [[The Bank Is Threatening Foreclosure on My Home]]{{·}} [[A Debt Collector Is Harassing Me]]{{·}} [[I Bought a Product from a Door-to-Door Salesperson and No Longer Want It]]{{·}} [[My Car Broke Down and the Dealer Won't Fix It]]{{·}} [[I Want to Get out of My Cellphone Contract]]
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Drew Jackson]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Criminal Law Problems|Criminal Law]]'''
*'''[[Criminal Law Problems|Criminal Law]]'''
**[[I've been charged with a criminal (or youth) offence and have to go to court|I've been charged with a criminal offence and have to go to court]]{{·}} [[I've been accused of a criminal offence and have been offered "diversion", "restorative justice" or "alternative measures"|I've been offered "diversion"]]{{·}} [[I've been charged with a criminal (or youth) offence and want to change my release conditions so I can have contact with my spouse or children|I want to change my release conditions]]{{·}} [[ I've been charged with a criminal (or youth) offence out-of-town and want to move the case closer to home|I want to move my criminal case closer to home]]{{·}} [[I have a criminal record and want to get a pardon]].
**[[I've Been Charged with a Criminal (or Youth) Offence and Have to Go to Court|I've Been Charged with a Criminal Offence and Have to Go to Court]]{{·}} [[I've Been Accused of a Criminal Offence and Have Been Offered "Diversion", "Restorative Justice" or "Alternative Measures"|I've Been Offered "Diversion"]]{{·}} [[I've Been Charged with a Criminal (or Youth) Offence and Want to Change My Release Conditions so I Can Have Contact with My Spouse or Children|I Want to Change My Release Conditions]]{{·}} [[ I've Been Charged with a Criminal (or Youth) Offence out-of-Town and Want to Move the Case Closer to Home|I Want to Move My Criminal Case Closer to Home]]{{·}} [[I Want to Have My Criminal Record Removed]] {{·}} [[I Want My Criminal Case to Be Dealt with in First Nations Court]]
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Lisa Jean Helps]] and [[Cliff Thorstenson]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Employment Law Problems|Employment Law]]'''
*'''[[Employment Law Problems|Employment Law]]'''
**[[My employer isn't paying my wages]] {{·}} [[I have been dismissed (fired) without just cause]]{{·}} [[I've been turned down for Employment Insurance benefits]] {{·}} [[I've been cut off workers' compensation benefits]]  
**[[My Employer Isn't Paying My Wages]] {{·}} [[I Have Been Dismissed (Fired) without Just Cause]]{{·}} [[I've Been Turned Down for Employment Insurance Benefits]] {{·}} [[I've Been Cut off Workers' Compensation Benefits]]  
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Trevor Thomas]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Family Law Problems|Family Law]]'''
*'''[[Family Law Problems|Family Law]]'''
**[[I have a family problem and I want to resolve it out of court]]{{·}} [[I just separated from the other parent of my children]]{{·}} [[My partner is abusing me and my kids]]{{·}} [[My ex is not paying child support]]{{·}} [[I am having challenges with my children and don't want the Ministry to remove them]]{{·}} [[The Ministry has taken my kids]]  
**[[I Have a Family Problem and I Want to Resolve It out of Court]]{{·}} [[I Just Separated from the Other Parent of My Children]]{{·}} [[My Partner Is Abusing Me and My Kids]]{{·}} [[My Ex Is Not Paying Child Support]]{{·}} [[I Am Having Challenges with My Children and Don't Want the Ministry to Remove Them]]{{·}} [[The Ministry Has Taken My Kids]]  
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Stephen Wright]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Housing Problems|Housing]]'''  
*'''[[Housing Problems|Housing]]'''  
**[[My landlord wants to evict me]]
**[[My Landlord Wants to Enter My Unit without My Permission]] {{·}} [[My Landlord Wants to Evict Me]] {{·}} [[My Landlord Wants to Keep My Deposit]]
   
| class="nomobile" |  [[Andrew Sakamoto]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|  
*'''[[Human Rights Problems|Human Rights]]'''  
*'''[[Human Rights Problems|Human Rights]]'''  
**[[I am being discriminated against or sexually harassed]]
**[[I Am Being Discriminated against or Sexually Harassed]]
   
| class="nomobile" |  [[Kaity Cooper]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|  
*'''[[Immigration Law Problems|Immigration]]'''  
*'''[[Immigration Law Problems|Immigration]]'''  
**[[I want to claim refugee status in Canada]] {{·}} [[I'm a permanent resident and have been charged with a criminal offence]] {{·}} [[My husband sponsored me and we have now separated]]  
**[[I Want to Claim Refugee Status in Canada]] {{·}} [[I'm a Permanent Resident and Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offence]] {{·}} [[My Husband Sponsored Me and We Have Now Separated]]  
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Rochelle Appleby]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Mental Health Law Problems|Mental Health]]'''  
*'''[[Mental Health Law Problems|Mental Health]]'''  
**[[A relative has been held against their will in a mental health facility]]  
**[[A Relative Has Been Held against Their Will in a Mental Health Facility]]  
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Lisa Ferguson]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Personal Planning Problems|Personal Planning]]'''
**[[I Want to Get My Affairs in Order in Case I Become Incapable]] {{·}} [[I Want to Help a Friend or Relative Manage Their Affairs]]
| class="nomobile" |  [[Audrey Jun]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Suing and Being Sued]]'''
*'''[[Suing and Being Sued]]'''
**[[I am being sued—what should I expect?|I am being sued]]{{·}} [[I need to take someone to court—what's the process?|I need to take someone to court]]
**[[I Am Being Sued — What Should I Expect?|I Am Being Sued]]{{·}} [[I Need to Take Someone to Court — What's the Process?|I Need to Take Someone to Court]]
   
| class="nomobile" |  [[John Bilawich]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|  
*'''[[Welfare and Disability Problems|Welfare and Disability]]'''  
*'''[[Welfare and Disability Problems|Welfare and Disability]]'''  
**[[I have no money for food or shelter]]{{·}} [[I have been denied or cut off welfare]] {{·}} [[I need to apply for disability benefits]] {{·}} [[I'm being investigated by the welfare Ministry]]  
**[[I Have No Money for Food or Shelter]]{{·}} [[I Have Been Denied or Cut off Welfare]] {{·}} [[I Need to Apply for Disability Benefits]] {{·}} [[I'm Being Investigated by the Welfare Ministry]]  
 
| class="nomobile" |  [[Alison Ward]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
*'''[[Wills and Estates Problems|Wills and Estates]]'''  
*'''[[Wills and Estates Problems|Wills and Estates]]'''  
**[[I want to write a will]]{{·}} [[I am the executor or administrator of an estate]]{{·}} [[I want to help a friend or relative manage their affairs]]
**[[I Want to Write a Will]]{{·}} [[I Am the Executor or Administrator of an Estate]]
| class="nomobile" |  [[Stan Rule]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|


=== Resource List ===  
=== Resource List ===  
Line 60: Line 91:
* A [[Preparing for Your Interview|sample form]] to help you prepare for meetings with a lawyer or an advocate
* A [[Preparing for Your Interview|sample form]] to help you prepare for meetings with a lawyer or an advocate


== About this Guide==
== About this guide==


This Guide was the first Clicklaw Wikibook, which are collaboratively developed, plain language legal publications that are born-wiki and can also be printed. Learn more about [[Clicklaw Wikibooks]].
Originally published in 2008 under the title "Legal Help for Rural British Columbians", ''Legal Help for British Columbians'' is now in its fifth printing. In March 2012 the guide went online to become the first Clicklaw Wikibook. [[Clicklaw Wikibooks]] are collaboratively developed, plain language legal publications that are published and kept up-to-date on a wiki, where they can also be printed and downloaded. Learn more about [[Clicklaw Wikibooks]].


Leading the writing of this Guide is founding author [[Cliff Thorstenson]], who works with a [[Legal Help Guide Contributors|team of lawyers and editors]] in updating the Guide on this wiki.
Leading the writing of this Guide is founding author [[Cliff Thorstenson]], who works with a [[Legal Help Guide Contributors|team of lawyers and editors]] in updating the guide on this wiki.
 
==Launch of the Guide as a Clicklaw Wikibook==
 
This Guide was launched as an online resource in March 2012 as the first Clicklaw Wikibook:   
 
*Clicklaw blog posting "[http://blog.clicklaw.bc.ca/2012/03/13/clicklaw-wikibook-legal-help-for-british-columbians-3rd-edition/ Clicklaw Wikibook – Legal Help for British Columbians, 3rd Edition]"
*[http://blog.clicklaw.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Legal-Help-for-British-Columbians-3rd-Edition-Announcement.pdf Legal Help Guide Announcement], a one sheeter describing the Guide
*"[http://www.courthouselibrary.ca/Libraries/Library_Services/March_13_2012_-_News_Release_of_Launch.sflb.ashx BC lawyers help launch public legal help guide in Clicklaw wikibook format]", a Courthouse Libraries BC news release


== Additional resources==
== Additional resources==
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==Creative Commons==
==Creative Commons==
{{Creative Commons
{{Creative Commons for Legal Help Guide}}
|title = Legal Help for British Columbians 
{{Template:Legal Help Guide Navbox}}
|author = Cliff Thorstenson and Courthouse Libraries BC
}}


__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
<noinclude>__NOGLOSSARY__</noinclude>
<noinclude>__NOGLOSSARY__</noinclude>
[[Category:Navigation Page]]
[[Category:Navigation Page]]

Latest revision as of 04:44, 1 February 2021

Cover of Legal Help for British Columbians
Cover of Legal Help for British Columbians

Legal Help for British Columbians is a resource for non-legal professionals in British Columbia who have clients with legal problems and little money to deal with them. For over 40 common legal problems, the Guide provides first steps to address the problem and options for further information or help.

The Guide can also be used directly by those seeking assistance with their legal problem.

Contents

Getting Started

Common Legal Problems

Neil Chantler and Cliff Thorstenson
Drew Jackson
Lisa Jean Helps and Cliff Thorstenson
Trevor Thomas
Stephen Wright
Andrew Sakamoto
Kaity Cooper
Rochelle Appleby
Lisa Ferguson
Audrey Jun
John Bilawich
Alison Ward
Stan Rule

Resource List

Preparing for Your Interview

  • A sample form to help you prepare for meetings with a lawyer or an advocate

About this guide

Originally published in 2008 under the title "Legal Help for Rural British Columbians", Legal Help for British Columbians is now in its fifth printing. In March 2012 the guide went online to become the first Clicklaw Wikibook. Clicklaw Wikibooks are collaboratively developed, plain language legal publications that are published and kept up-to-date on a wiki, where they can also be printed and downloaded. Learn more about Clicklaw Wikibooks.

Leading the writing of this Guide is founding author Cliff Thorstenson, who works with a team of lawyers and editors in updating the guide on this wiki.

Additional resources

Find additional plain language, practical legal information on Clicklaw.

Find law-related help on the Clicklaw HelpMap.

Creative Commons

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 Canada Licence Legal Help for British Columbians © Cliff Thorstenson and Courthouse Libraries BC is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 Canada Licence.