Where to Get Help for Managing Someone Else's Money
| This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Kevin Smith in January 2018. |
Local & provincial agencies
Better Business Bureau
A non-profit organization that assists people in finding businesses they can trust. You can file a complaint about a business or report a scam.
- Lower Mainland: 1-888-803-1222
- Vancouver Island: 1-877-826-4222
- www.bbb.org
Consumer Protection BC
A non-profit organization that helps protect consumers in BC. They provide assistance and investigate complaints relating to certain types of consumer problems and contracts.
- Toll-free: 1-888-564-9963
- info@consumerprotectionbc.ca
- www.consumerprotectionbc.ca
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre
A non-profit organization providing people in BC with information on personal planning, and assistance to make and use representation agreements. They offer extensive resources for attorneys acting under an enduring power of attorney. They also host a registry for personal planning documents.
Provincial Health Authorities
If abuse of an older adult is suspected, an agency designated under the law in BC can investigate. The provincial health authorities are designated agencies. These agencies can offer support to the older adult or take steps to protect them.
Public Guardian and Trustee
This public body can investigate the misuse of a power of attorney where the adult has become mentally incapable. It also provides financial management and legal decision-making for vulnerable adults.
- 700 - 808 West Hastings Street
- Vancouver, BC V6C 3L3
- 604-660-4444
- www.trustee.bc.ca
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)
A safe, confidential place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention.
- Lower Mainland: 604-437-1940
- Toll-free: 1-866-437-1940
- www.seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail
Seniors Advocate BC
The Office of the Seniors Advocate BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in the province, and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues.
- Victoria: 250-952-3181
- Toll-free: 1-877-952-3181
- info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca
- www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca
SeniorsBC
This provincial government website provides information about BC government programs and services for older adults.
Service BC (Enquiry BC)
Call toll-free to reach provincial government offices and services throughout British Columbia from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Service BC offices are the business offices of the provincial government in about 60 communities across the province.
- Lower Mainland: 604-660-2421
- Victoria: 250-387-6121
- Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
- TTY/TDD for hearing impaired: 1-800-661-8773
- enquirybc@gov.bc.ca
- www2.gov.bc.ca
For legal help
Access Pro Bono
Volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice to qualifying persons who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a lawyer.
- Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400
- Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
- www.accessprobono.ca
Lawyer Referral Service
The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch offers referrals to lawyers who can provide a half-hour consultation for $25. (Try to organize your information in advance so as to make efficient use of the time available.)
- Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221
- Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
- lawyerreferral@cbabc.org
- www.cbabc.org
Seniors First BC
A non-profit organization providing free legal services for people age 55 and over. Older adults experiencing issues with debt, tenancy matters, or pensions or benefits can be assisted by a legal advocate. An Elder Law Clinic offers lawyers experienced in matters involving capacity, residential care, and elder abuse or neglect.
- Lower Mainland: 604-437-1940
- Toll free: 1-866-437-1940
- seniorsfirstbc.ca
For accounting and financial help
Accountants
Find a local chartered professional accountant on the website of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.
Quicken
Quicken is a software program from Intuit that can help with managing personal funds. The company also offers a free online service for personal finances, called Mint. These services help you set budgets, track spending and pay bills.
Self Counsel Press Guides
Self Counsel Press publishes do-it-yourself guides on legal and financial topics for BC, including Financial Care for Your Aging Parent, Personal Budgeting Kit and Protect Your Elderly Parents: Become Your Parents’ Guardian or Trustee. These guides include templates and forms to help with budgeting, inventories and staying organized.
 Managing Someone Else's Money © People's Law School is, except for the images, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence.
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