Difference between revisions of "Find Out More in Learning about the Law"

From Clicklaw Wikibooks
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= February 2023}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}
==Fundamentals of law and criminal and civil law==
==Free and low-cost legal help==


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''Access Pro Bono'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. The resources available through Clicklaw are designed to be used by the public.
| width="40%" | Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400<br/> Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664<br/> [https://www.accessprobono.ca/ accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and <span class="noglossary">representation</span> to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100<br/> Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/> [https://bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]  
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in BC'''
| width="20%" | '''Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)'''
| width="40%" | Family Law in BC is a website that provides information and resources on a wide range of family law issues. It is produced by the Legal Aid BC.
| width="40%" | CLAS provides legal advice and some <span class="noglossary">representation</span> to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues.
| width="40%" | [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/ family.legalaid.bc.ca]  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425<br/> Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222<br/> [https://www.clasbc.net clasbc.net]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="20%" | '''Family Justice Centres'''
| width="40%" | The Court Information Program for Immigrants provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. All content on the website is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hindi.  
| width="40%" | These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce.  
| width="40%" | [http://www.justiceeducation.ca/programs/court-information-program-immigrants justiceeducation.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice gov.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30 minute consultation.  
| width="40%" | This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/> [https://www.accessprobono.ca/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]  
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="40%" | You may be able to get free legal help (legal aid) if:
| width="40%" | This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.<br/>  
*your legal problem is covered by legal aid rules,
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172 <br/> Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525<br/> [https://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]  
*your income and the value of your property are below a certain limit, and
*you have no other way of getting legal help.<br/>  
Legal Aid BC also has free booklets on legal topics in English and many other languages.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-408-2172<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-866-577-2525<br/>
[https://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law. <br/>
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626<br/> [https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
[https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities.
| width="40%" | Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal <span class="noglossary">advocate</span> in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies.  
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
| width="40%" | [https://www.povnet.org/ povnet.org]
[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Victimsinfo.ca'''
| width="40%" | A website for victims and witnesses of crime in BC. The website gives people the information they need to deal with the consequences of crime.
| width="40%" | [https://www.victimsinfo.ca/ victimsinfo.ca]
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Family law==
==More information==
{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN)'''
| width="40%" | Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is.
| width="40%" | [https://bccrns.ca/ bccrns.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. The resources available through Clicklaw are designed to be used by the public. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Family law." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | A website operated by Courthouse Libraries BC that provides legal information, education, and resources from across BC.  
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca] <br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/ clicklaw.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in British Columbia'''
| width="40%" | The Family Law in British Columbia website has important information about family matters including: child protection, child support, common-law relationships, divorce and separation, and family violence.
| width="40%" | [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/ family.legalaid.bc.ca] <br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''JP Boyd on Family Law'''
| width="40%" | This resource, available online and in print, offers information about family law and the court process in British Columbia. It’s written in language that is easy to understand, and it has definitions for legal words and phrases.
| width="40%" | [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/jpboyd wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/jpboyd]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce is a multimedia website that provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents.
| width="40%" | [https://www.justiceeducation.ca justiceeducation.ca]<br/>[https://www.familieschange.ca familieschange.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>1-800-663-1919<br/>[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="40%" | You may be able to get free legal help (legal aid) if you have a serious family law problem and:
*your legal problem is covered by legal aid rules,
*your income and the value of your property are below a certain limit, and
*you have no other way of getting legal help.
| width="40%" | [https://legalaid.bc.ca legalaid.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Mediate BC Society '''
| width="40%" | Mediate BC's Family Mediation Services can put you in touch with a mediator who can help you and your spouse work together to find a solution to legal problems and help you make an agreement.
| width="40%" | Phone: 1-604-684-1300 local 23<br/>1-855-660-8406<br/>[https://www.mediatebc.com mediatebc.com]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Parenting After Separation'''
| width="40%" | Parenting After Separation is a free three-hour workshop that helps parents make decisions about their separation that focus on the best interests of their children.
| width="40%" | [https://www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/index.html justicebc.ca/en/fam]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="40%" | VictimLink can put you in touch with services that will help victims of violence.
| width="40%" | 1-800-563-0808<br/>[https://www.victimlinkbc.ca/ victimlinkbc.ca]
|}
 
==Young people and the law==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''Court Information Program for Immigrants'''
| width="40%" | A website with legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC.<br/>Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Children & teens." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages.  
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
| width="40%" | [https://www.courtinformation.ca/ courtinformation.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Scripts include "Children's Rights" and "Young People and Criminal Law."
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>1-800-565-5297<br/>[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca/]  
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/> [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Legal Rights for Youth is a website for youth. It describes the legal rights for youth living in British Columbia.
| width="40%" | [https://www.legalrightsforyouth.ca legalrightsforyouth.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People’s Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''Employment Standards Branch'''
| width="40%" | The People’s Law School offers free public legal education and information to the people of British Columbia.  
| width="40%" | This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They <span class="noglossary">answer</span> questions and deal with complaints against employers.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400<br/>[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca peopleslawschool.ca]
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700<br/> [https://gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="20%" | '''Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce '''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society website provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://familieschange.ca/ familieschange.ca]  
|}
 
==Elder law==
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN)'''
| width="20%" | '''Family Law in BC '''
| width="40%" | Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is.  
| width="40%" | This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues.
| width="40%" | [https://www.bccrns.ca bccrns.ca]  
| width="40%" | [https://family.legalaid.bc.ca/ family.legalaid.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Seniors First BC'''
| width="20%" | '''Legal Rights for Youth'''
| width="40%" | Provides information about benefits and programs for seniors, financial and legal planning, elder abuse and where to go for help, and how to protect yourself against theft and fraud.  
| width="40%" | This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-437-1940<br/>1-866-437-1940<br/>[http://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ seniorsfirstbc.ca]
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867<br/> [http://legalrightsforyouth.ca/ legalrightsforyouth.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''Mediate BC Society'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Seniors." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300<br/> Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300<br/> [https://www.mediatebc.com/ mediatebc.com]  
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | Has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Includes information on "Elder Law, Elder Abuse and Seniors' Rights."
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>1-800-565-5297 <br/>[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | The Justice Education Society creates programs and resources that improve access to British Columbia’s justice system.
| width="40%" | [https://www.justiceeducation.ca justiceeducation.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minutes consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="20%" | '''Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry'''
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney.  
| width="40%" | Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a <span class="noglossary">representation</span> agreement or enduring power of attorney.
| width="40%" | [https://www.nidus.ca nidus.ca]
| width="40%" | [https://www.nidus.ca/ nidus.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | People's Law School offers free public legal education and information to British Columbians
| width="40%" | People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life.
| width="40%" | [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400<br/> [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. If you have a family law problem, you can contact Access Pro Bono Society of BC. It has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400<br/>1-877-762-6664<br/>[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="20%" | '''Public Guardian and Trustee'''
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides services to adults who need help managing their affairs.
| width="40%" | The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the  legal capacity to protect their own interests.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-775-1007<br/>[https://www.trustee.bc.ca trustee.bc.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867<br/> [https://www.trustee.bc.ca/ trustee.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="40%" | VictimLink can put you in touch with counselling and helping services, and people who may be able to help you find a safe place to stay.
| width="40%" | The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets.
| width="40%" | 1-800-563-0808<br/>[https://www.victimlinkbc.ca victimlinkbc.ca]
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020<br/> Victoria: 250-387-1602<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779<br/> [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant]
|}
 
==Working in BC==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="20%" | '''Seniors First BC'''
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, the BC Human Rights Clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-622-1100<br/>
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653<br/> Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940<br/> [https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ seniorsfirstbc.ca]  
Phone toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/>
[https://www.bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Employment." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]  
| width="40%" | Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546<br/> Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br/> [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="20%" | '''VictimLink'''
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
| width="40%" | Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808<br/> [http://victimlinkbc.ca victimlinkbc.ca]  
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Administrative Law BC is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work.
| width="40%" | [https://www.adminlawbc.ca/ adminlawbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities. 
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|-
|}
 
==Renting a home==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''BC Human Rights Clinic'''
| width="40%" | Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, the BC Human Rights Clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint.
| width="40%" |  Phone: 604-622-1100<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-855-685-6222<br/>
[https://www.bchrc.net/ bchrc.net]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Clicklaw'''
| width="40%" | A website that will take you to legal information and education from across BC. Clicklaw is operated by Courthouse Libraries BC. Start on the homepage (Solve Problems) and explore by topic. Select "Housing, tenancy & neighbours." You can use the Clicklaw HelpMap to find someone who can help with legal problems.
| width="40%" | [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca clicklaw.bc.ca]<br/>[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Community Legal Assistance Society'''
| width="40%" | CLAS will provide legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians who are facing eviction, foreclosure of their mortgage, expulsion from a co-op, or who want to challenge a Residential Tenancy Branch decision.
| width="40%" |  Phone: 604-685-3425 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-888-685-6222<br/>
[https://www.clasbc.net clasbc.net]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Dial-A-Law'''
| width="40%" | From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has <span class="noglossary">brief</span> legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-4680<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-565-5297<br/>
[https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/ dialalaw.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Justice Education Society'''
| width="40%" | Administrative Law BC is a website that explains what tribunals are and how they work. 
| width="40%" | [https://www.adminlawbc.ca/ adminlawbc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Lawyer Referral Service'''
| width="40%" | This service can help you find a lawyer who will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-687-3221<br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1919<br/>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Legal Aid BC'''
| width="40%" | Legal Aid has free print and online booklets in English and many other languages. At the website, select "Housing and tenancy." 
| width="40%" | [https://lss.bc.ca/publications lss.bc.ca/publications]  
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''MOSAIC'''
| width="40%" | Offers programs and services to help immigrants and refugees in their <span class="noglossary">settlement</span> and integration into Canadian society. <br/>
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-254-9626<br/>
[https://www.mosaicbc.org/ mosaicbc.org]<br/>
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''People's Law School'''
| width="40%" | The People's Law School provides people in BC with free public legal education and information. Visit our website or call us to find out how to <span class="noglossary">access</span> the education and information needed to exercise your legal rights and responsibilities.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-331-5400 <br/>
[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''PovNet'''
| width="40%" | Advocates help low-income people who have renting problems. PovNet is an online resource that can help you contact an advocate in your area. Visit the website and select "Find an Advocate."
| width="40%" | [https://www.povnet.org povnet.org]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Pro Bono Legal Services'''
| width="40%" | In these programs, lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer or can’t get legal aid. A good place to start is with the Access Pro Bono Society of BC, which has legal advice clinics across BC.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-878-7400 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-877-762-6664 <br>
[https://www.accessprobono.ca accessprobono.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
| width="40%" | The branch of the BC government responsible for landlord-tenant matters. The website has free publications that contain important information.
| width="40%" | Vancouver: 604-660-1020 <br/>
Victoria: 250-387-1602 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-665-8779 <br/>
[https://www.rto.gov.bc.ca rto.gov.bc.ca]
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | '''Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)'''
| width="40%" | The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre provides tenants with legal education and information about residential tenancy law. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. You can also read their free publications, including the ''[[Tenant Survival Guide]]''. It is available in English or Traditional Chinese.
| width="40%" | Phone: 604-255-0546 <br/>
Phone toll-free: 1-800-665-1185<br>
[https://www.tenants.bc.ca tenants.bc.ca]
|-
|}
|}
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}}


{{Learning about the Law Wikibook Navbox}}
{{Learning about the Law Wikibook Navbox}}


{{Creative Commons for PLS
{{Creative Commons for PLS
|title = Learning about the Law Wikibook
|title = Learning about the Law
|author =  
|author =  
}}
}}
__NOGLOSSARY__
__NOGLOSSARY__

Latest revision as of 17:51, 17 January 2024

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School in February 2023.

Free and low-cost legal help

Access Pro Bono Access Pro Bono has free legal advice clinics across BC. Lawyers volunteer to provide free legal advice to those who can’t afford a lawyer and can’t get legal aid. Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
accessprobono.ca
BC Human Rights Clinic Operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society, this clinic provides assistance and representation to those who need help dealing with a provincial human rights complaint. Lower Mainland: 604-622-1100
Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222
bchrc.net
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) CLAS provides legal advice and some representation to low-income British Columbians facing a range of problems, including eviction, human rights complaints, and work-related issues. Lower Mainland: 604-685-3425
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222
clasbc.net
Family Justice Centres These centres are located throughout BC and provide free services (including mediation) to couples going through a separation or divorce. gov.bc.ca
Lawyer Referral Service This service, operated by Access Pro Bono, can help you connect with a lawyer for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you want to hire them. Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
accessprobono.ca
Legal Aid BC This non-profit provides free legal advice and representation for certain types of legal problems if you meet financial eligibility guidelines.
Lower Mainland: 604-408-2172
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
legalaid.bc.ca
MOSAIC A non-profit that provides free programs and services to help new immigrants and refugees with their settlement in Canada. They provide legal advocacy in areas such as family law and immigration law.
Lower Mainland: 604-254-9626
mosaicbc.org
PovNet Their Find an Advocate tool can help you find a legal advocate in your area. Legal advocates provide free support, advocacy and information to low-income people experiencing legal problems. Advocates usually work out of community agencies. povnet.org

More information

BC Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN) Provides information and help to anyone who is being abused or neglected, or is supporting someone who is. bccrns.ca
Clicklaw A website operated by Courthouse Libraries BC that provides legal information, education, and resources from across BC. clicklaw.bc.ca
Court Information Program for Immigrants This Justice Education Society program provides free legal information to new immigrants and refugees. Services are provided in English and several other languages. courtinformation.ca
Dial-A-Law From People's Law School, Dial-A-Law has brief legal information on over 190 topics. You can listen on the telephone or online. You can also read the information online. Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297
dialalaw.ca
Employment Standards Branch This BC government office provides free legal information to employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under BC law. They answer questions and deal with complaints against employers. Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700
gov.bc.ca/employmentstandards
Families Change: Guide to Separation & Divorce This Justice Education Society website provides information on separation and divorce for children, teens, and parents. familieschange.ca
Family Law in BC This website from Legal Aid BC provides free information, publications, and self-help guides on a wide range of family law issues. family.legalaid.bc.ca
Legal Rights for Youth This Justice Education Society website describes the legal rights for youth living in BC. Toll-free: 1-855-875-8867
legalrightsforyouth.ca
Mediate BC Society Mediate BC can put you in touch with a mediator who can help people (including separating couples) work together to find a solution to legal problems. Lower Mainland: 1-604-684-1300
Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300
mediatebc.com
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, including information on making a representation agreement or enduring power of attorney. nidus.ca
People's Law School People's Law School provides free education and information to help British Columbians effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life. Lower Mainland: 604-331-5400
peopleslawschool.ca
Public Guardian and Trustee The office of the Public Guardian and Trustee provides a range of services to those who do not have the legal capacity to protect their own interests. Lower Mainland: 604-660-4444
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
trustee.bc.ca
Residential Tenancy Branch The BC government department responsible for landlord-tenant matters. Their website has free dispute resolution guides, policy guidelines, and information sheets. Lower Mainland: 604-660-1020
Victoria: 250-387-1602
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
Seniors First BC A non-profit that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults and those who care for them. Lower Mainland: 604-336-5653
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (toll-free): 1-866-437-1940
seniorsfirstbc.ca
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) A non-profit that provides tenants with legal education and assistance. You can phone them if you have a problem with renting. Lower Mainland: 604-255-0546
Toll-free: 1-800-665-1185
tenants.bc.ca
VictimLink This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service for victims of crime. Available across BC, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages, it provides information and support to victims. Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808
victimlinkbc.ca


Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence Learning about the Law © People's Law School is, except for the images, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence.