Difference between revisions of "Resource List for Legal Help for British Columbians"

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Here is an alphabetical list of 60 of the best sources of legal information, assistance, advice and representation for low-income clients in British Columbia.
{{Legal Help Guide TOC}}Here is an alphabetical list of the best sources of legal information, assistance, advice and <span class="noglossary">representation</span> for low-income clients in British Columbia.


 
Contact information for government services is available through:
{| align="center"
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
| Contact information for government services is available through:
|-valign="top"  
|}
| '''Provincial'''  
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="0" align="center"
| [http://servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations Service BC]  
|'''''Provincial:'''''
|Phone:<br/>
|Enquiry BC (Service BC): '''1-800-663-7867'''
Lower Mainland: 604-660-2421<br/>
|-
Victoria: 250-387-6121<br/>
|'''''National:'''''
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7867<br/>
|Service Canada: '''1-800-622-6232'''
Outside BC: 604-660-2421
|}
| Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD):<br/>
 
Lower Mainland: 604-775-0303<br/>
 
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-661-8773
 
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" border="1"
| 1
| Access Justice
[http://accessjustice.ca accessjustice.ca]
 
1-604-878-7400
(Vancouver)
 
1-877-762-6664
(toll free)
| {{:Lawyer Referral Service}}
|-
| 2
| Advocacy Access
[http://bccpd.bc.ca bccpd.bc.ca]
 
1-800-663-1278
 
TTY 1-604-875-8835
| Advocacy Access is a service of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities that provides information, assistance, advice and occasional representation for people with disability-related issues such as welfare benefits for people with disabilities, Schedule C health benefits and Canada Pension Plan disability benefits.
 
Website: Click on “Publications” and then “Advocacy Access” for access to a number of fact sheets about disability-related legal issues.
|-
| 3
| Bankruptcy Canada
[http://www.bankruptcycanada.com www.bankruptcycanada.com]
 
No phone services available.
| This website has a number of links that provide information on the bankruptcy process, as well as contact information for bankruptcy trustees in communities throughout B.C.
 
Website: Click on “Bankruptcy FAQ” for general information about bankruptcy, or the map of Canada to find a bankruptcy trustee in your area.
|-
| 4
| B.C. Civil Liberties Association
[http://www.bccla.org www.bccla.org]
 
1-604-687-2919
| The B.C. Civil Liberties Association (“BCCLA”) provides information, assistance and advice about making complaints against the police. It also provides representation on selected civil liberties cases that have a reasonable likelihood of success, and may result in important changes to law or policy.
 
Website: Click on the appropriate link under the heading “Issues”.
|-
| 5
| B.C. Courthouse Library Society
[http://courthouselibrary.ca courthouselibrary.ca]
 
1-800-665-2570
| Operates courthouse libraries around the province with written and electronic information on all areas of the law. Their website has very good links to federal and provincial statutes and regulations, court judgments, and court rules and forms for Provincial Court (Small Claims, Family and Criminal) and B.C. Supreme Court.
 
Phone: check the Yellow Pages of your phone book for contact information for courthouse libraries.
|-
| 6
| BC Human Rights Coalition
[http://bchrcoalition.org bchrcoalition.org]
 
1-877-689-8474
| The B.C. Human Rights Coalition (“BCHRC”) provides initial information and advice about human rights issues and assistance with preparing a human rights complaint. BCHRC will provide representation before the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal on complaints that raise novel or systemic issues. There is no cost for the services.
 
Website: Click on “Law” or “Process”.
|-
| 7
| BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses
[http://bcysth.ca bcysth.ca]
 
1-800-661-1040
| The Society provides contact information about transition houses and other victim services throughout BC and the Yukon, and resources for transition house staff.
 
Website: Click on “Resources and Publications” for their “Family Law Resource Manual”. It contains a lot of information about the legal system from the perspective of victims of family violence.
|-
| 8
| Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority
[http://bpcpa.ca bpcpa.ca]
 
1-888-564-9963
|
 
The authority is the “watchdog” for consumer complaints including unfair debt collection practices.
 
Website: Click on “Complaints” and then “BPCPA Complaint Form” to make a general complaint about a seller or debt collector.
|-
| 9
| CANLII
[http://canlii.org canlii.org]
 
No phone services available
| Canadian Legal Information Institute.  This website has comprehensive links to legislation, regulations and court cases from across Canada.
|-
| 10
| Credit Counselling Society of B.C
[http://nomoredebts.org nomoredebts.org]
 
1-888-527-8999
| This not-for-profit society provides information, assistance and financial advice to clients with problems with debt or insolvency.
 
Website: Under the “Learning Centre” drop-down box, click on “FAQ”.
|-
| 11
| Community Legal Assistance Society
[http://clasbc.net clasbc.net]
 
1-888-685-6222
| The Community Legal Assistance Society (“CLAS”) provides primarily “test-case” advice and representation for people with disability, employment insurance, poverty and Workers Compensation problems. Services are limited to cases that could advance the law or policy in these areas. CLAS also provides advice and representation at the BC Review Panel to persons detained under the B.C. Mental Health Act.
 
Website: Click on “Publications” for a variety of online materials dealing with the above and other issues, including “Judicial Review: A Lay Person’s Guide”.
|-
| 12
| Dial-a-Law
[http://dialalaw.org dialalaw.org]
 
1-800-565-5297
| A Canadian Bar Association service. This telephone service provides recorded information about various legal problems. The scripts are also available online.
 
Phone: recorded information on a variety of legal topics.
 
Website: covers a variety of legal topics.
|-
| 13
| Duty Counsel
| See page 46 for a detailed explanation about Duty Counsel lawyers.
|-
| 14
| Electronic Law Library
[http://bclibrary.ca/ell bclibrary.ca/ell]
 
No phone service available
| This website has links to legal resources with information on a variety of legal topics.
 
Website: Click on “Law by Subject” and then the appropriate topic.
|-
| 15
| Employment Standards Branch
[http://labour.gov.bc.ca/esb labour.gov.bc.ca/esb]
 
1-800-663-3316
| B.C. Government. The Branch administers the provincial Employment Standards Act and regulations. Information about employment standards is available over the phone and on the website.
 
Website: Click on “Program/Branch Publications” and then “A Guide to the Employment Standards Act” or “Employment Standards Fact Sheets”.
|-
| 16
| Family Justice Centres
[http://ag.gov.bc.ca/family-justice/ ag.gov.bc.ca/family-justice]
 
1-800-663-7867
| BC Government. Family Justice Centres have Counsellors who can provide information and assistance with family-related legal issues such as custody, access, guardianship, child and spousal support and no-contact orders. They cannot assist with strictly Supreme Court issues such as divorce or property division. Centres in Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Vancouver provide legal advice through a Family Advice Lawyer Project.
 
Phone: Call Enquiry B.C. at 1-800-663-7867 and asked to be connected with the Family Justice Centre nearest you.
|-
| 17
| Family Law in B.C. website
[http://familylaw.lss.bc.ca familylaw.lss.bc.ca]
 
No phone service available
| Legal Services Society. This website contains information and self-help guides for people facing family-related legal problems.
 
Website: Click on a topic under “Your legal issue” or click on the shortcut to “self-help guides” for information on filling out Family forms and preparing for Family Court.
|-
| 18
| Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
[http://fmep.gov.bc.ca fmep.gov.bc.ca]
 
1-800-668-3637
| FMEP helps clients enforce court orders for child support and spousal support.
 
Phone: 1-800-668-3637 for information or 1-800-663-3455 to enrol in the program.
 
Website: Click on “How to Enrol” or “Resources”.
|-
|-
| 19
|-valign="top"
|Federal Court of Canada
| '''Federal'''
[http://fct-cf.gc.ca fct-cf.gc.ca]
|[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml Service Canada]
 
|Phone:<br/>
1-800-622-6232
1-800-622-6232
| The Court provides Rules and Forms and information about Federal Court procedures.
| Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD):<br/>
 
1-800-926-9105
Phone: Call Service Canada at 1-800-622-6232 (TTY 1-800-926-9105) and ask to be connected to the Federal Court Registry in Vancouver.
 
Website: Click on “Court Process and Procedures”.
|-
|-
| 20
|}
| Government Agent Offices
[http://servicebc.gov.bc.ca/services/contact servicebc.gov.bc.ca/services/contact]
 
1-800-663-7867
| Government Agent (Service BC) Offices are the business offices of the provincial government in about 60 communities in rural British Columbia. They have written and online pamphlets and government forms as well as public access computer terminals. Although Government Agency staff cannot give legal advice, they can be helpful with issues involving the provincial government, and making referrals to other services.
 
Phone: Call Enquiry B.C. at 1-800-663-7867 and ask for the Government Agent Office nearest you, or look in the Blue Pages of your phone book under “Service BC- Government Agent”.
|-
| 21
|
 
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
 
Employment Insurance
[http://www.ei-ae.gc.ca/ www.ei-ae.gc.ca]
1-800-206-7218
 
Employment Standards
[http://hrsdc.gc.ca hrsdc.gc.ca]
1-800-622-6232
| Government of Canada. This office is responsible for employment insurance and federal employment standards.
 
Employment Insurance
 
Phone: 1-800-206-7218 or TTY 1-800-529-3742.
 
Website: To appeal a decision turning you down for EI benefits, click on the links under the heading, “Appeals to the Board of Referees”.
 
Employment Standards
 
Phone: Call Service Canada at 1-800-622-6232 and ask to be connected to the HRSDC office nearest you.
 
Website: The easiest way to get a Payment Claim Kit is to go directly to:
 
[http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/lp/lo/opd-ipg/opd/700-10a1.shtml#appa_1 www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/lp/lo/opd-ipg/opd/700-10a1.shtml#appa_1].
 
For information on unjust dismissal, try [http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/labour/index.shtml www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/labour/]. Click on “Employment Standards”, then (in the paragraph text on the right, not in the sidebar menu) click on “Employment Standards Publications”, then click on “Unjust Dismissal”.
|-
| 22
| Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada
 
[http://irsr.gc.ca irsr.gc.ca]
 
1-866-879-4913
| Government of Canada: This office provides information and assistance to former Indian residential school students seeking compensation.
 
Website:
 
Under the heading, “Highlights” click on “Common Experience Payment-
 
Information for Service Canada” for information and application forms dealing with the common experience payment available to most former residential school payments.
 
Click on “Independent Assessment Process” for information about additional compensation for seriously abused students or “Independent Assessment Process Application Form” for an online application for this additional compensation.
|-
|
 
23
|LawLINE
 
[http://lss.bc.ca lss.bc.ca]
 
1-866-577-2525
|
 
LawLINE is a toll-free telephone service run by the Legal Services Society, staffed by lawyers and paralegals.
It provides advice and information on certain legal issues for financially eligible callers. LawLINE arranges immediate access to telephone interpreters for clients who have difficulties with the English language. LawLINE will also make referrals to lawyers registered with the Pro Bono Law of BC roster [see below under Pro Bono Law].
 
Website: Under “Legal aid” click “LawLINE.”
|-
| 24
| Law Students’ Legal Advice Program
 
[http://lslap.bc.ca lslap.bc.ca]
 
No phone service available
| The website contains the “LSLAP Manual”, an excellent source of information about the law and legal procedure on a variety of legal topics.
 
Website: Click on “LSLAP Manual”, then “View Current Manual” and then the appropriate Chapter.
|-
| 25
| Lawyer Referral Service
 
[http://cba.org/bc/ cba.org/bc/]
 
1-800-663-1919
| The Canadian Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to volunteer lawyers in private practice who specialize in various areas of the law. For a fee of $25 plus tax, a client is entitled to up to 30 minutes of consultation with a lawyer where the lawyer may provide information, assistance or summary advice about the client’s legal issue.
 
Website: Click on “Initiatives” and then “Lawyer Referral”.
|-
| 26
| Legal Aid
| The Legal Services Society provides a variety of legal aid services including legal aid representation (getting a lawyer to take your case for free). See page XX for a detailed description of legal aid representation. See also Legal Services Society (#27).
|-
| 27
| Legal Services Society
 
[http://lss.bc.ca lss.bc.ca]
 
1-866-577-2525
| The Legal Service Society (LSS) is the primary organization for free legal information, advice, and representation for low-income people in BC. In addition to providing lawyers for eligible clients (see page XX), it provides advice services such as duty counsel (see page XX) and LawLINE (#23).
 
LSS legal information services include legal information outreach workers (LIOWs). LIOWs are staff members at LSS regional centres who provide information in person and over the phone, can help you find self-help resources on the Internet, and refer you to other LSS services. LSS also provides the Family Law in BC website and publishes a variety of legal materials, including:
 
* “Aboriginal People and the Law in British Columbia”
* “Can't Pay Your Mortgage? What You Can Do If You're Facing Foreclosure”
* “Consumer Law and Credit/Debt Law”
 
* “Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce”
* “Parents' Rights, Kids' Rights: A Parent’s Guide to Child Protection Law in BC”
* “Representing Yourself in a Criminal Trial”
* “Social Assistance on Reserve in British Columbia”
* “Your Welfare Rights: A Guide to BC Employment and Assistance”
 
LSS also publishes fact sheets and pamphlets on a wide variety of legal issues.
 
Phone: 1-604-601-6075 for information on ordering LSS publications.
Phone the LSS regional centre closest to you to speak to an LIOW or call the LSS Call Centre at 1-866-577-2525.
 
Website: Under ”Community Workers,” click on “Publications” and choose a publication by title, subject, or language.
|-
| 28
| National Parole Board
 
[http://npb-cnlc.gc.ca npb-cnlc.gc.ca]
 
1-800-874-2652
| The Government of Canada’s National Parole Board is responsible for (among other things) granting pardons for criminal convictions.
 
Website: Click on “Pardons” and then “Pardon Application Guide”.
|-
|
 
29
|
 
Native Courtworkers
 
[http://nccabc.ca nccabc.ca]
 
1-604-985-5355
|
 
The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association (“NCCA”) provides information and assistance to aboriginal people facing criminal or youth justice matters with the police and courts. Native courtworkers assist clients in preparing for court and will provide representation by speaking on behalf of clients on guilty pleas, and occasionally at trial.
 
Website: Click on the appropriate link for general information about aspects of the court system.
|-
| 30
| Ombudsman
 
[http://ombudsman.bc.ca ombudsman.bc.ca]
 
1-800-567-3247
| The BC Government’s Office of the Ombudsman provides information and assistance in making complaints against provincially regulated government agencies or employees.
 
Website: Click on “Frequently Asked Questions” for general information, “Complaint Forms” for the online complaint form, or “Useful Contacts” for information about making complaints about lawyers, banks, doctors and other professionals.
|-
| 31
|
 
People’s Law School
 
[http://publiclegaled.bc.ca publiclegaled.bc.ca]
 
1-604-331-5400
| The People’s Law School provides free legal education and information including publications on the legal system and a variety of legal issues, including:
 
* “Child Support in BC- Information for Parents”
* “Choosing an Executor, Being an Executor”
* “Power of Attorney”
* “Working in BC- Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities”
* “Writing your Will”
 
Phone to order publications or find out about courses.
|-
| 32
| Police Complaints Commissioner (BC)
 
[http://opcc.bc.ca opcc.bc.ca]
 
1-800-663-7867
| This office is responsible for handling complaints against officers of municipal or tribal police forces. Staff provide information about the complaints process and some assistance with making a complaint.
 
Phone: Call Enquiry B.C. at 1-800-663-7867 and ask to be connected to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
 
Website: Click on “FAQs” or “Making a Complaint”.
|-
| 33
| PovNet
 
[http://povnet.org povnet.org]
 
1-604-876-8638
| PovNet is a network of anti-poverty advocacy organizations that maintains information on legal issues and resources of interest to people living in poverty.
 
Website: Click on “Find an Advocate” to find an advocacy organization near you, or “Online Resources” for information on resources—legal and non-legal—for people living in poverty.
|-
| 34
| Private Bar Lawyers
| See page 48 for a detailed description about hiring private bar lawyers.
|-
| 35
| Pro Bono Law of BC
 
[http://probononet.bc.ca probononet.bc.ca]
 
no phone services provided
| Pro Bono Law of BC maintains a roster of lawyers who will take on a limited number of cases pro bono (free of charge) within their geographic area and within their area of practice. The level of services may extend to representation in courts or tribunals.
 
Note: Lawyers on the roster receive referrals from Access Justice, the LawLINE, the Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program and some of the other agencies listed in this guide. Look under the appropriate heading for their contact information.
|-
| 36
| Public Guardian and Trustee
 
[http://trustee.bc.ca trustee.bc.ca]
 
1-800-663-786
| The BC Government Public Guardian and Trustee provides services concerning the estates of children, estates without trustees or administrators, and adults who require assistance with decision-making, including those who are not mentally competent. The Public Guardian and Trustee provides information on aspects of adult guardianship such as representation agreements.
 
Phone: 1-800-663-7867 (Enquiry BC) and ask to be connected with the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.
 
Website: Click on “Reports and Publications”, scroll down to “Publications” under the heading, “Adult Guardianship”.
|-
| 37
| Public Libraries
 
[http://bclibrary.ca bclibrary.ca]
| Public libraries are located in over 70 communities throughout British Columbia. Most have public access computer terminals. Larger ones have legal reference books and provincial statutes and regulations. Library staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find legal information in their library, on-line or throughout the public library system.
 
Phone: Look in the Yellow Pages of your phone book under “Libraries”.
 
Website: Provides contact information for public libraries.
|-
| 38
| Residential Tenancy Branch
 
[http://rto.gov.bc.ca rto.gov.bc.ca]
 
1-800-665-8779
| BC Government. The Branch administers the provincial Residential Tenancy Act. Staff provide information and some assistance to clients with problems with their residential landlords. The website has forms and good information about residential tenancy law and procedure.
 
Website: Click on the appropriate link under the headings, “Know Your Rights & Responsibilities”, “Resolving Issues”, “How to Apply for Dispute Resolution”, or “Completing the Dispute Resolution Process”.
|-
| 39
| RCMP Public Complaints Commission
 
[http://cpc-cpp.gc.ca cpc-cpp.gc.ca]
 
1-800-665-6878
| This office is responsible for handling complaints against members of the RCMP. Staff provide information about the complaints process and some assistance with making a complaint.
 
Phone: 1-800-665-6878 or TTY 1-866-432-5837.
 
Website: Click on “Make a Complaint”.
|-
| 40
| Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program
 
[http://probono.ca probono.ca]
 
1-604-694-6647
| The Salvation Army operates free legal advice clinics for financially eligible clients in several communities in British Columbia. Lawyers from the community volunteer their services and provide legal information, assistance and advice during clinic hours only. They do not provide representation but can make referrals to lawyers registered with the Pro Bono Law of BC roster [see above under Pro Bono Law].
 
Phone for information about the pro bono clinic nearest you.
|-
| 41
| Service Canada
 
[http://servicecanada.gc.ca servicecanada.gc.ca]
 
1-800-622-6232
| Service Canada is the main point of contact for federal government services. Staff can give contact information to make a complaint about a worker in a federal government ministry or agency.
 
Phone: Call 1-800-622-6232 and ask to be connected with the appropriate federal government ministry or agency.
 
Website: Click on the appropriate link.
|-
| 42
| Small Claims Court
 
[http://ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/civil/smallclaims/ ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/civil/smallclaims/]
 
1-800-663-7867
| BC Government. The Court has registries in various communities in BC. These registries (and the website) have Small Claims forms and guides to help people prepare for Small Claims Court.
 
Phone: 1-800-663-7867 (Enquiry BC) and ask for the Small Claims Court Registry nearest you, or look in the Blue Pages of your phone book under “Court Services”.


Website: for guides to filling out Small Claims forms and preparing for Small Claims Court.
For a list of toll-free phone numbers for law-related help in BC, see [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/content/talktosomeone Find Someone to Talk With] on Clicklaw.
|-
| 43
| Supreme Court Self-help Centre


[http://supremecourtselfhelp.bc.ca supremecourtselfhelp.bc.ca]
This Guide refers to many websites for further legal information. To find a free public <span class="noglossary">access</span> computer, try visiting your local public library (listed below), a local Service BC office (listed below), a local college or university library, or a Courthouse Library (listed below), if you have one. You may be able to get some assistance with finding your information from these locations also.


no phone service available
== Access Pro Bono ==
| The Centre provides information to people representing themselves in B.C. Supreme Court.
{{:Access Pro Bono}}


Website: Click on “Online self-help resources” for information on filling out B.C. Supreme Court forms and preparing for Supreme Court. The site has many useful links such as “Preparing for Trial in Supreme Court”.
== AdminLawBC.ca  ==
|-
{{:AdminLawBC.ca}}
| 44
| Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre


[http://tenants.bc.ca tenants.bc.ca]
== Advocacy Access Program ==
{{:Advocacy Access Program}}


1-800-665-1185
== BC Civil Liberties Association ==
| The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (“TRAC”) is a not-for-profit society that provides information, advice and occasional representation for tenants with residential tenancy problems.
{{:BC Civil Liberties Association}}


Website: Click on “Tenants Survival Guide and Fact sheets page”.
== BC Employment and Assistance ==
|-
{{:BC Employment and Assistance}}
| 45
| Workers’ Advisers


[http://labour.gov.bc.ca/wab/ labour.gov.bc.ca/wab/]
== BC Human Rights Clinic==
{{:BC Human Rights Clinic}}


Click on “Forms”, “Fact Sheets” or “Publications”.
== BC Laws ==
{{:BC Laws}}


Enquiry BC to connect to the WA office nearest you:
== BC Society of Transition Houses ==
{{:BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses}}


1-800-663-7867
== CanLII ==
| BC Government. Workers Advisers are a service of Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services. They provide information, assistance, advice and occasional representation to clients on Workers’ Compensation issues. Advisers will review client files, and advise and assist them in preparing a Request for Review by the Review Division or an Appeal by the Appeal Division. Workers’ Advisers may represent workers at the review or appeal on some cases. If the issue presents complex legal questions, Workers Advisers may make referrals to lawyers specializing in Workers’ Compensation issues.
{{:CanLII}}


There are no financial eligibility requirements but services are limited. Workers Advisers may turn down clients who have access to other resources.
== Clicklaw ==
|}
{{:Clicklaw}}


__NOTOC__
== Civil Resolution Tribunal ==
{{:Civil Resolution Tribunal}}


==Resource #13: Duty Counsel==
== Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP ==
{{:Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP}}


Duty Counsel services include a variety of free advice services (and some limited representation) provided by the Legal Services Society (LSS) for otherwise unrepresented clients facing immediate legal challenges. Duty Counsel services include:
== Community Legal Assistance Society ==
{{:Community Legal Assistance Society}}


* '''Brydges Line'''
== Consumer Protection BC ==
:If you have been arrested or detained and are under active investigation for a criminal offence for which you have not yet been charged, you can access emergency legal telephone advice from a lawyer by phoning the Legal Services Society “Brydges Line” at 1-866-458-3300, regardless of your financial status. You can also call if you have been detained by Canada Immigration at a border crossing. Brydges Line lawyers provide one-time advice at the time of your emergency. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will have to make other arrangements for ongoing legal services.
{{:Consumer Protection BC}}


* '''Criminal Duty Counsel (Provincial Court)'''
== Courthouse Libraries BC ==
:Duty Counsel lawyers attend almost all criminal remand proceedings in provincial courtrooms throughout the province. They provide unrepresented clients (in or out of custody) with assistance and advice about the charges against them, court procedures, and legal rights regardless of the client’s financial status. They also provide representation at bail hearings and, as time permits, representation on guilty pleas. Criminal Duty Counsel services are available only on the day that you must appear in court. You will have to make other arrangements for ongoing legal services. Show up early at court so you will have a chance to discuss your case with Duty Counsel before court. Bring any paperwork relating to your case.
{{:Courthouse Libraries BC}}


*'''Family Duty Counsel (Provincial Court)'''
== Courts of BC ==
{{:Courts of BC}}


:Duty counsel lawyers attend many Family Court proceedings at most provincial courtrooms throughout the province. If you do not qualify for a legal aid lawyer, you may qualify for help from family duty counsel. They provide unrepresented clients with assistance and advice about family law or child protection issues. They can also provide courtroom representation on simple matters. Family duty counsel services in Provincial (Family) Court are available on most first appearance dates, on a drop-in basis. (Duty counsel may be able to help even if you are not financially eligible but priority is always given to qualified clients who must appear in court that day.) Bring any paperwork relating to your case. Note that you will have to make other arrangements for ongoing legal services.
== Credit Counselling Society of BC ==
{{:Credit Counselling Society of BC}}


*'''Family Duty Counsel (Supreme Court)'''
== Dial-A-Law (People's Law School)==
{{:Dial-A-Law (People's Law School)}}


:Duty counsel lawyers are available at the busiest Supreme Courts across BC. If you do not qualify for a legal aid lawyer, you may qualify for help from family duty counsel. They provide legal advice about custody, access, guardianship, child support, court procedures, tentative settlement agreements, and limited advice on property division. Duty counsel can also provide representation on simple or unopposed family-related legal proceedings in Supreme Court. Family duty counsel services in Supreme Court are available on most first appearance dates, on a drop-in basis. (Duty counsel may be able to help even if you are not financially eligible but priority is always given to qualified clients who must appear in court that day.) Bring any paperwork relating to your case. You should try to speak with Supreme Court duty counsel before going to court. Note that you will have to make other arrangements for ongoing legal services.
== Duty Counsel ==
{{Servicebox
| service_description = '''Duty counsel services''' include a variety of free advice services (and some limited <span class="noglossary">representation</span>) provided by the [[Legal Services Society]] for otherwise unrepresented clients facing immediate legal challenges. See the entry at the end of the Resource List for a detailed description of [[Duty Counsel]] services.


*'''Family Advice Lawyers'''
| website = [http://www.legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]
| phone = 604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver) <br /> Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
| clicklaw_label = '''Find on Clicklaw'''
| clicklaw_address = [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/organization/helpmap/1024 LSS Services on Clicklaw HelpMap]
}}


:Family advice lawyers are duty counsel who are available at times unrelated to when court is in session in Kelowna, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Vancouver. You must be referred by a family justice counsellor or a child support officer (except in Port Alberni which offers drop-in service for financially eligible clients at the courthouse).
== Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver ==
{{:Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver}}


*'''Phone and Website'''
== Employment Standards Branch of BC ==
{{:Employment Standards Branch of BC}}


:You can call ahead to find out on what days of the week or month family duty counsel is present at the courthouse. It may also be possible to meet with duty counsel before your court date. To contact your local court registry for the family duty counsel schedule, see the list of phone numbers on the LSS website ([http://www.lss.bc.ca/ www.lss.bc.ca]) under “Legal Aid-Legal Advice.” You can also call your local legal aid office or LSS Regional Centre to find out family duty counsel schedules.
== Employment Standards (Canada) ==
{{:Employment Standards (Canada)}}


:For criminal duty counsel, check the White Pages of your phone book under “Legal Aid” or call Enquiry B.C. at 1-800-663-7867 for the number of your nearest legal aid office or LSS Regional Centre.
== Family Justice Centres ==
{{:Family Justice Centres}}


:For more information about family advice lawyers in Kelowna, Nanaimo, or Vancouver, contact Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 and ask to be connected to a family justice counsellors office. In Port Alberni, contact the local court registry for more information.
== Family Law in BC ==
{{:Family Law in BC}}


==Resource #26: Legal Aid Representation==
== Family LawLINE ==
{{:Family LawLINE}}


The Legal Services Society (LSS) provides free legal aid representation (a lawyer to take your case) for financially eligible clients facing some types of criminal, family, mental health, or immigration problems. The following legal issues are covered:
== Family Maintenance Enforcement Program ==
{{:Family Maintenance Enforcement Program}}


'''Criminal charges''' (of all but the least serious offences) where a client, if convicted, is likely to:
== Federal Court of Canada ==
{{:Federal Court of Canada}}


*go to jail;
== First Nations Court Duty Counsel ==
*face a conditional sentence that would severely limit their liberty,
{{:First Nations Court Duty Counsel}}
*lose their way of earning a living, or
*face an immigration proceeding that could lead to deportation from Canada.


Also covered are:
== Government Agent Offices ==
Government Agent offices are now known as Service BC. Please see [[Service BC]].


*aboriginal clients where a conviction would affect their ability to follow a traditional livelihood of hunting and fishing;
== Government of Canada's Settlement Services Directory ==
*youths charged with federal offences, and
{{:Government of Canada's Settlement Services Directory}}
*clients with a physical condition or disability or a mental or emotional illness that makes it impossible for them to represent themselves.


'''Family cases''' where the client needs:
== Helpline for Children in BC ==
{{:Helpline for Children in BC}}


*an immediate court order to ensure their own or their child’s safety and security,
== Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ==
*to overcome a serious denial of access to their children; or
{{:Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada}}
*to prevent the permanent removal of a child from the province.


Exceptions may be considered where, for instance, only the appointment of a lawyer can avoid a significant injustice, or where the client is unable to represent him or herself due to a mental or physical disability or trauma from past abuse.
== Law Students' Legal Advice Program ==
{{:Law Students' Legal Advice Program}}


'''Child protection cases''' where:
== Lawyer Referral Service ==
{{:Lawyer Referral Service}}


*the Ministry of Children and Family Development has taken or has threatened to take child(ren) away,
== Legal Aid Representation ==
*there are custody and access issues related to a child in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
{{Servicebox
| service_description = The [[Legal Services Society| Legal Services Society]] provides a variety of legal aid services, including '''legal aid <span class="noglossary">representation</span>''' (getting a lawyer to take your case for free). See the entry at the end of the Resource List for a detailed description of [[Legal Aid Representation|legal aid <span class="noglossary">representation</span>]].


'''Mental health hearings''' before a Mental Health Review Panel or the B.C. Review Board.
| website      = [http://www.legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca]
| phone      = Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
| clicklaw_label = '''Find on Clicklaw'''
| clicklaw_address = [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1053 Legal Aid Intake Offices on Clicklaw HelpMap]
}}


'''Prison''' issues for which the Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides the right to a lawyer.
== Legal Services Society ==
{{:Legal Services Society}}


'''Immigration proceedings''' for refugee claimants or clients facing removal from Canada.
== Mediate BC ==
{{:Mediate BC}}


'''Victims of or witnesses to crime''' where the defence lawyer asks for the disclosure of personal information.
== MOSAIC ==
{{:MOSAIC}}


'''Note:''' Whether or not any particular case is to be covered by legal aid, is ultimately a decision made by LSS.
== Native Courtworkers ==
{{:Native Courtworkers}}


===Eligibility===
== Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry ==
{{:Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry}}


Youths charged with federal offences are entitled to legal aid representation regardless of their financial status. Other applicants for legal representation must have a net monthly household income equal to or less than the amounts in the following table:
== Ombudsperson ==
{{:Ombudsperson}}


{| align="center"
== Parole Board of Canada==
|'''Eligibility guidelines for legal representation'''
{{:Parole Board of Canada}}
|-
|}
{|cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
|style="background:silver" | Household size
|style="background:silver" | Net monthly income
|-
|align="center" | 1
|align="center" |$1,400
|-
|align="center" |2
|align="center" |$1,950
|-
|align="center" |3
|align="center" |$2,500
|-
|align="center" |4
|align="center" |$3,050
|-
|align="center" |5
|align="center" |$3,600
|-
|align="center" |6
|align="center" |$4,160
|-
|align="center" |7 or more
|align="center" |$4,715
|}


There are also asset limits and some allowable deductions.
== People's Law School ==
{{:People's Law School}}


====Applying for legal aid====
== Police Complaints Commissioner (BC) ==
{{:Police Complaints Commissioner (BC)}}


You can apply for legal aid over the phone or in person at a Legal Services Society office or at an office of a local agent authorized to take legal aid applications. You will need to provide information about your case and proof of income such as two recent pay stubs, a recent welfare stub or a recent income tax return or bank records. You will also have to provide information about valuable assets such as a car or boat.
== PovNet ==
{{:PovNet}}


Note that if you don’t qualify for representation, you may still be financially eligible for advice services such as duty counsel or LawLINE. (You don’t have to be financially eligible to receive legal information from LSS.)
== Private Bar Lawyers ==
As well as the Lawyer Referral Service, '''lawyers in private practice''' provide three main free or low-cost services. These are free initial consultations, contingency fee agreements, and pro bono services. See the entry [[Private Bar Lawyers]] at the end of the Resource List for an explanation of these services and a description about hiring private bar lawyers.


====Phone and Website====
== Public Guardian and Trustee ==
{{:Public Guardian and Trustee}}


Phone: Check the White Pages of your phone book under “Legal Aid” or call Enquiry B.C. at 1-800-663-7867 for the number of the office nearest you. You can also apply for legal aid over the phone at 1-866-577-2525.
== Public Libraries ==
{{:Public Libraries}}


Website: www.lss.bc.ca. To find the office nearest you, click on the appropriate link under the “Legal Aid—Legal Aid Offices” drop-down box.    Normal  0        false  false  false                            MicrosoftInternetExplorer4         
== Residential Tenancy Branch ==
{{:Residential Tenancy Branch}}


==Resource #34:  Private Bar Lawyers==
== Seniors First BC (formerly BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support) ==
{{:Seniors First BC}}


Lawyers in private practice provide three main free or low-cost services. These are:
== Service BC ==
{{:Service BC}}


* Free initial consultations:
== Service Canada ==
{{:Service Canada}}


:Many lawyers will provide up to 30 minutes of free advice to new clients. After the first interview, clients are expected to make financial arrangements for further services.
== Small Claims Court ==
{{:Small Claims Court}}


* Contingency fee agreements:
== Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre ==
{{:Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre}}


:Where a client has a legal problem where there is a likelihood of compensation at the conclusion of their case (eg personal injury matters), many lawyers are prepared to provide advice and representation on a “contingency fee” (percentage fee) basis, where they do not collect their fees unless and until the case is resolved successfully for the client. However, clients are usually expected to pay the lawyer’s disbursements (out-of-pocket expenses) along the way.
== Vehicle Sales Authority of BC ==
{{:Vehicle Sales Authority of BC}}


* Pro Bono services:
== Victims Info ==
{{:Victims Info}}


:Law firms are encouraged to provide at least some pro bono (free-of-charge) services every year. The extent of these services may extend from advice to full representation.
== VictimLINK ==
{{:VictimLINK}}


====Contacting a Private Bar Lawyer====
== Vital Statistics Agency ==
{{:Vital Statistics Agency}}


One of the best ways to find the names of lawyers in your area is through the Yellow Pages of the phone book. Many of the ads will state whether the firm offers “free initial consultations”.
== Workers' Advisers ==
{{:Workers' Advisers}}


Pro Bono legal services are more difficult to find. However, many lawyers register their availability to do pro bono work with the Pro Bono Law of BC Roster. You can be referred to one of the roster lawyers through such services as Access Justice, the LawLINE or the Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program.
{{Template:Legal Help Guide Navbox|type=resources}}
[[Category:Navigation Page]]

Latest revision as of 23:16, 22 May 2019

Legal Help Guide
Legalhelpguidecover.png
This page is
from the wikibook
Legal Help for
British Columbians.
See the full contents
and contributors.
v • d • e

Here is an alphabetical list of the best sources of legal information, assistance, advice and representation for low-income clients in British Columbia.

Contact information for government services is available through:

Provincial Service BC Phone:

Lower Mainland: 604-660-2421
Victoria: 250-387-6121
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7867
Outside BC: 604-660-2421

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD):

Lower Mainland: 604-775-0303
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-661-8773

Federal Service Canada Phone:

1-800-622-6232

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD):

1-800-926-9105

For a list of toll-free phone numbers for law-related help in BC, see Find Someone to Talk With on Clicklaw.

This Guide refers to many websites for further legal information. To find a free public access computer, try visiting your local public library (listed below), a local Service BC office (listed below), a local college or university library, or a Courthouse Library (listed below), if you have one. You may be able to get some assistance with finding your information from these locations also.

Access Pro Bono[edit]

Access Pro Bono operates free legal clinics in a number of communities throughout BC. Clients who meet the financial means test (see website for details) can receive 30 minutes of free legal advice and sometimes additional appointments. Access Pro Bono lawyers generally do not appear in court or tribunals but they can give advice, make calls, and assist with documents.
Website accessprobono.ca
Phone 1-604-878-7400
Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
Find on Clicklaw Access Pro Bono on Clicklaw HelpMap


AdminLawBC.ca[edit]

AdminLawBC.ca describes administrative tribunals — the specialized government agencies, boards and commissions that provide resolution of disputes involving government laws and how they are applied. They can hear complaints about decisions made by government agencies related to such topics as minimum wage, Employment Insurance, safety standards, telephone service rates, or rules of conduct of doctors and other professionals. The site also features a BC Administrative Law Directory which lists information and many of the decisions of over 100 federal and provincial tribunals.
Website adminlawbc.ca
Phone No phone service available


Advocacy Access Program[edit]

The Advocacy Access Program is a service of Disability Alliance BC (formerly BC Coalition of People with Disabilities) that provides information, assistance, advice, and occasional representation for people with disability-related issues such as welfare benefits for people with disabilities, Canada Pension Plan disability benefits, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Website: Advocacy Access Publications has a number of fact sheets about disability-related money and income support issues.

Website www.disabilityalliancebc.org
Phone 1-604-872-1278
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1278
Find on Clicklaw Advocacy Access Program on Clicklaw HelpMap


BC Civil Liberties Association[edit]

The BC Civil Liberties Association works to maintain and extend civil liberties and human rights in Canada. In addition to public education and advocacy, the BCCLA engages in select legal actions, often involving the police or government and on the topic of civil liberties.

Website: See the Our Work page for links to handbooks, guides and reports.

Website bccla.org
Phone 1-604-687-2919
Toll-free: 1-855-556-3566
Find on Clicklaw BCCLA on Clicklaw


BC Employment and Assistance[edit]

The BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's BC Employment and Assistance program administers income assistance (welfare) benefits.

Website: Their website provides links to online orientation, work search guidelines and information on fraud and appeals.

Website www2.gov.bc.ca
Phone Toll free: 1-866-866-0800


BC Human Rights Clinic[edit]

The BC Human Rights Clinic is operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society and funded by the BC Ministry of Justice. The Clinic provides free representation to complainants who have cases before the BC Human Rights Tribunal on a province-wide basis. Accepted applicants are assigned an advocate to assist with the early stages of a complaint.

Website: The Legal Services page under the Services menu has information on how to get advice or representation.

Website www.bchrc.net
Phone 1-604-622-1100
Toll-free: 1-855-685-6222
Find on Clicklaw BC Human Rights Clinic on Clicklaw HelpMap


BC Laws[edit]

The BC Laws website is maintained by the BC Queen’s Printer and includes British Columbia statutes and regulations, orders in council, and regulations bulletins. It has a simple search function, and is current seven to 14 days after changes in legislation.
Website bclaws.gov.bc.ca
Phone 1-250-387-6409
Toll-free: 1-800-663-6105


BC Society of Transition Houses[edit]

The BC Society of Transition Houses offers support to the programs and services who work with women who have experienced violence. The programs and services the BCSTH supports include transition and safe houses, safe homes, children’s and victims counseling, and violence prevention education.

Website: The Directory of Member Programs & Services is a complete listing of all its members’ programs and services across BC.

Website bcsth.ca
Phone 1-604-669-6943
Toll-free: 1-800-661-1040


CanLII[edit]

The CanLII website offers a well-designed and comprehensive database of legislation, regulations, and court cases from across Canada. The search function can be limited to a specific province or to a federal court, and notable cases can be found through the "most cited" feature. The site includes an ebook on Wrongful Dismissal and Employment Law in the Commentary section.

Website: Hover your mouse over one of the question marks for help in using the search.

Website canlii.org
Phone No phone service available


Clicklaw[edit]

The Clicklaw website provides a window into plain language legal information and education resources designed for the public in BC from over 25 contributor organizations, as well as selected others. Clicklaw includes a HelpMap to find those who can help with legal problems in communities across the province, and starting points for over 150 commonly asked legal questions.

Website: The Court Forms & Guides page brings together court forms and step-by-step guides for both Provincial and Supreme Court.

Website clicklaw.bc.ca
Phone No phone service available


Civil Resolution Tribunal[edit]

The Civil Resolution Tribunal website provides information around the processes of resolving small claims disputes under $5,000. Small claims disputes about contracts, debts, personal injury, personal property, and consumer issues will be resolved through the online tribunal from June 1, 2017.

Website: The Civil Resolution Tribunal website has news and guides for claims within the jurisdiction of the Civil Resolution Tribunal.

Website www.civilresolutionbc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-844-322-2292


Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP[edit]

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP is responsible for handling complaints against members of the RCMP. Staff provide information about the complaints process and some assistance with making a complaint.

Website: The Make a Complaint page has contact information and the online complaint form.

Website Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP
Phone Toll-free: 1-800-665-6878
TTY: 1-866-432-5837


Community Legal Assistance Society[edit]

The Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) provides legal assistance to disadvantaged people with housing security, income security, human rights, mental health rights, and workers’ rights problems. Services include summary legal advice, support for self-represented litigants, and full representation. Their Mental Health Law Program provides advice and representation at the BC Review Panel to persons detained under the BC Mental Health Act. Their BC Human Rights Clinic provides representation to complainants who have cases before the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Website: The Self-Help Guides page has links to guides and information sheets, including one on representing yourself in a judicial review.

Website www.clasbc.net
Phone 1-604-685-3425
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222
Find on Clicklaw CLAS on Clicklaw HelpMap


Consumer Protection BC[edit]

Consumer Protection BC is a watchdog for consumer complaints including unfair debt collection practices.

Website: The pages Resolving Problems and Enforcement provide more information on the complaint process, compliance, and enforcement.

Website consumerprotectionbc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-888-564-9963
Find on Clicklaw Consumer Protection BC on Clicklaw


Courthouse Libraries BC[edit]

Courthouse Libraries BC provides legal information to the legal community and the public in 28 locations throughout British Columbia. Resource libraries in Vancouver and Victoria and regional libraries in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, New Westminster and Prince George provide research assistance to clients. The library hosts the portal website Clicklaw, which provides a one-stop window into legal information and education aimed at the public in BC, as well as Clicklaw Wikibooks, featuring free plain language legal publications that are available to download in multiple formats and can also be printed.

Website: The Locations & Contact Information page has the contact information, including an email address and a list of library locations.

CLBClogo.jpg
Website courthouselibrary.ca
Phone 1-604-660-2841
Toll-free: 1-800-665-2570
Find on Clicklaw Courthouse Libraries on Clicklaw HelpMap


Courts of BC[edit]

The Courts of BC website from the provincial government provides information about Provincial and Supreme Courts, and the Court of Appeal. Links include recent judgments, contact information and resources for self-represented litigants (people going to court on their own).
Website courts.gov.bc.ca
Phone No phone service available
Find on Clicklaw Court Registries on Clicklaw HelpMap


Credit Counselling Society of BC[edit]

The Credit Counseling Society of BC provides information and advice to clients on the topic of debt and insolvency. Clients can take advantage of free and confidential credit counselling and debt consolidation services as well as obtain practical advice on budgeting.

Website: The Debt Help page has information about debt and insolvency counselling options.

Website nomoredebts.org
Phone Toll-free: 1-888-527-8999


Dial-A-Law (People's Law School)[edit]

Dial-A-Law is a free service of People's Law School. The website features free information on the law in British Columbia in over 130 topic areas and includes audio recordings of all the information. Dial-A-Law information is also available for listening to on the telephone.
Website dialalaw.ca
Phone 1-604-687-4680
Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297
Find on Clicklaw Dial-A-Law on Clicklaw HelpMap


Duty Counsel[edit]

Duty counsel services include a variety of free advice services (and some limited representation) provided by the Legal Services Society for otherwise unrepresented clients facing immediate legal challenges. See the entry at the end of the Resource List for a detailed description of Duty Counsel services.
Website legalaid.bc.ca
Phone 604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver)
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
Find on Clicklaw LSS Services on Clicklaw HelpMap

Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver[edit]

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver works with women and youth who are in conflict with the law. They operate a Shoplifters' Counselling Program as well as crime prevention seminars in the Lower Mainland.
Website elizabethfry.com
Phone 1-604-520-1166
Toll-free: 1-888-879-9593
Find on Clicklaw Elizabeth Fry Society on Clicklaw HelpMap


Employment Standards Branch of BC[edit]

The Employment Standards Branch is a part of the BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour. The Branch provides extensive information on the rights of employees in provincially regulated workplaces. For federally regulated workplaces, see Employment Standards (Canada) in this Guide.

Website: The Employment Standards pages have topic-specific information. Forms and Resources page has Solution Explorer (an online guide for your specific work situation) in addition to forms and factsheets. Make a Complaint page tells you how to resolve a dispute, including filing a complaint.

Website gov.bc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-833-236-3700


Employment Standards (Canada)[edit]

The Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada offers information about employment standards for federally regulated workplaces.

Website: The Federal Labour Standards page has links to resources on specific topics, such as unjust dismissal.

Website canada.ca
Phone 1-800-641-4049


Family Justice Centres[edit]

A BC government service, Family Justice Centres have family justice counsellors who can provide information and assistance with family-related legal issues such as parenting arrangements, contact, guardianship, child and spousal support and no-contact orders. They cannot assist with strictly Supreme Court issues such as divorce or property division. Centres in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, New Westminster, Prince George, and Surrey provide legal advice through family advice lawyers. Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Surrey, Victoria, and Vancouver locations also offer expanded self-help services through the Justice Access Centres.
Website gov.bc.ca
Phone 1-800-663-7867 (EnquiryBC, ask the operator to transfer you)
Find on Clicklaw Family Justice Centres on Clicklaw HelpMap


Family Law in BC[edit]

Family Law in BC is a Legal Services Society website that provides legal information on family law matters, including separation and divorce, child and spousal support, parenting and guardianship, child protections/removal, division of family property, and adoption.

Website: Self-help guides has information on procedures such as filing for divorce, Court forms has links to family court forms, and Who can help has information on options for assistance with family law problems.

Website familylaw.lss.bc.ca
Phone No phone service available
Find on Clicklaw Family Law in BC on Clicklaw


Family LawLINE[edit]

Family LawLINE is a service provided by the Legal Services Society. Family LawLINE lawyers give free legal advice over the phone to people with low incomes who are experiencing family law issues, providing brief "next step" advice about family law issues such as parenting time or contact/access, guardianship/custody, child and spousal support, property division, family agreements, adoption, and court procedures.

Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Wednesdays: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Website familylaw.lss.bc.ca
Phone 604-408-2172
Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
Find on Clicklaw Family LawLINE on Clicklaw HelpMap


Family Maintenance Enforcement Program[edit]

The Family Maintenance Enforcement Program helps low-income families to obtain child support and spousal support orders from ex-partners, and to enforce them.
Website fmep.gov.bc.ca]
Phone Toll-free: 1-800-668-3637
Find on Clicklaw FMEP on Clicklaw HelpMap


Federal Court of Canada[edit]

The Federal Court of Canada is Canada's national trial court which hears legal disputes arising in the federal domain, including immigration, tax, admiralty, and customs.

Website: The Information for Litigants page provides information about appearing before the Federal Court without a lawyer. The Court Process and Procedures page provides information about Federal Court rules and forms.

Phone: The Federal Court Registry in Vancouver can be reached at (604) 666-3232 or toll free at 1-800-663-2096. TDD: 604-666-9228.

Website www.fct-cf.gc.ca
Phone 1-800-663-2096


First Nations Court Duty Counsel[edit]

First Nations Court Duty Counsel gives free legal advice about having your matter transferred to First Nations Court and the charges against you.

Website: The First Nations Court page has information about their locations and how they can help you.

Website aboriginal.legalaid.bc.ca
Phone 604-601-6074 (Greater Vancouver)
1-877-601-6066 (toll-free elsewhere in BC)
Find on Clicklaw First Nations Court Duty Counsel on Clicklaw HelpMap


Government Agent Offices[edit]

Government Agent offices are now known as Service BC. Please see Service BC.

Government of Canada's Settlement Services Directory[edit]

Government of Canada's Settlement Services Directory is a searchable database of contact information for settlement service agencies across Canada. You can search by postal code, city, or full address. Settlement agencies provide a wide range of services to immigrants and refugee claimants.
Website cic.gc.ca
Phone No phone service available


Helpline for Children in BC[edit]

The Helpline for Children is a free 24-hour service for children, parents, or community members to call if they think a child (anyone under 19) will be or has been abused.
Website gov.bc.ca
Phone 310-1234 (no area code needed, toll-free)
TDD: 1-866-660-0505


Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada[edit]

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the government department responsible for immigration and refugee matters in Canada.

Website: To find an IRCC office, use their directory listed on the IRCC offices page.

Website cic.gc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-888-242‑2100 (from within Canada)


Law Students' Legal Advice Program[edit]

The Law Students' Legal Advice Program website contains the LSLAP Manual, an excellent source of information about the law and legal procedure on a variety of topics. LSLAP also offers resources and advice through their legal clinics in the Lower Mainland.

Website: The LSLAP Manual page has links to the chapters of the LSLAP Manual.

Website lslap.bc.ca
Phone For appointments in the Lower Mainland: 1-604-822-5791
Find on Clicklaw LSLAP Clinics on HelpMap

Lawyer Referral Service[edit]

Access Pro Bono Society of BC's Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to lawyers in private practice who specialize in various areas of the law. Any member of the public may call this service to obtain the contact information of a lawyer who will provide a free half-hour legal consultation.
Website www.accessprobono.ca
Phone 604-687-3221
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
Find on Clicklaw Lawyer Referral Service on HelpMap


Legal Aid Representation[edit]

The Legal Services Society provides a variety of legal aid services, including legal aid representation (getting a lawyer to take your case for free). See the entry at the end of the Resource List for a detailed description of legal aid representation.
Website legalaid.bc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525
Find on Clicklaw Legal Aid Intake Offices on Clicklaw HelpMap

Legal Services Society[edit]

The Legal Services Society (LSS) provides legal aid representation, duty counsel services, the Family LawLINE, the Family Law in BC website, and free legal information through variety of publications. Among the publications they produce are Gladue Primer and Your Welfare Rights: How to Apply for Welfare. In some communities, legal information outreach workers and Aboriginal community legal workers are also available to help you find appropriate services and information.

Website: The Legal Information page explains about the information services available, and the Publications page provides links to guides, booklets, and other publications.

Website legalaid.bc.ca
Phone 1-866-577-2525
Find on Clicklaw LSS on Clicklaw HelpMap


Mediate BC[edit]

Mediate BC provides information about mediation as a dispute resolution process and alternative to going to court. Services include a Court Mediation Program for Small Claims, Family Mediation, and Child Protection Mediation.
Website mediatebc.com
Phone 1-604-684-1300
Toll-free: 1-877-656-1300
Find on Clicklaw Mediate BC on Clicklaw


MOSAIC[edit]

MOSAIC (Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities) has multilingual services that provide support and assistance to immigrants and refugees such as interpretation services, help with settlement and finding employment.
Website www.mosaicbc.org
Phone 1-604-254-9626
Find on Clicklaw MOSAIC on Clicklaw HelpMap


Native Courtworkers[edit]

The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association provides information and assistance to Aboriginal people facing criminal or youth justice matters with the police and courts. Native courtworkers assist clients in preparing for court and will provide representation by speaking on behalf of clients on guilty pleas, and occasionally at trial.

Website: The Our Team page has the contact information for different locations.

Website nccabc.ca
Phone 1-604-985-5355
Toll Free: 1-877-811-1190
Find on Clicklaw NCCA on Clicklaw HelpMap


Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry[edit]

Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry is a not-for-profit organization that provides tools for writing and registering personal planning documents in the event of mental incapacity due to illness, injury, or disability.

Website: The website has fact sheets and forms for representation agreements and enduring powers of attorney.

Website nidus.ca
Phone 1-604-408-7414
Find on Clicklaw Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry on Clicklaw


Ombudsperson[edit]

The BC government's Office of the Ombudsperson (formerly "Ombudsman") provides information and assistance in making complaints against provincially-regulated government agencies or employees.

Website: The Complaints page has information about starting the complaint process.

Website bcombudsperson.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-800-567-3247
Find on Clicklaw BC Ombudsperson on Clicklaw HelpMap


Parole Board of Canada[edit]

The Parole Board of Canada is responsible for, among other things, granting record suspensions (formerly called pardons) for criminal convictions.

Website: The Record Suspension Application Guide and Forms page has the guides and forms for completing a record suspension application.

Website www.canada.ca
Phone 1-800-874-2652


People's Law School[edit]

People's Law School is a BC non-profit organization with recognized expertise in high-quality public legal education and information. It works to help British Columbians recognize the legal aspects of everyday situations and take action. Services include reliable, easy-to-understand information on peopleslawschool.ca and dialalaw.ca, webinars, print resources, and a Q+A service.
Website peopleslawschool.ca
Phone 1-604-331-5400
Find on Clicklaw People's Law School on Clicklaw

Police Complaints Commissioner (BC)[edit]

The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner of BC is responsible for handling complaints against officers of municipal or tribal police forces. Staff provides information about the complaints process and some assistance with making a complaint.

Website: The How to File a Complaint page has a link to file a complaint online and a link to download a printable form.

Website opcc.bc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-877-999-8707


PovNet[edit]

PovNet is a network of anti-poverty advocacy organizations that maintains information on legal issues and resources of interest to people living in poverty.

Website: Their online directory of community-based advocates called Find An Advocate helps you find an advocacy organization near you.

Website povnet.org
Phone No phone service available
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Private Bar Lawyers[edit]

As well as the Lawyer Referral Service, lawyers in private practice provide three main free or low-cost services. These are free initial consultations, contingency fee agreements, and pro bono services. See the entry Private Bar Lawyers at the end of the Resource List for an explanation of these services and a description about hiring private bar lawyers.

Public Guardian and Trustee[edit]

The BC government's Public Guardian and Trustee provides services concerning the estates of children, estates without trustees or administrators, and adults who require assistance with decision-making, including those who are not mentally competent.

Phone: Outside of the Lower Mainland, call Service BC at 1-800-663-7867 and ask to be connected with the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.

Website: The Reports and Publications page includes links to publications on adult guardianship.

Website www.trustee.bc.ca
Phone 1-604-660-4444


Public Libraries[edit]

Public libraries are located in over 240 communities throughout BC. Most have public access computer terminals and free access to QP LegalEze, a searchable database of BC legislation, current Bills and Hansard debates. Larger libraries have legal reference books and provincial statutes and regulations. Library staff can help you find legal information in their library or online. Local library phone numbers are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Libraries."

Website: The BC government website provides a list of all public libraries and contact information.

Website www2.gov.bc.ca
Phone No phone service available


Residential Tenancy Branch[edit]

This Residential Tenancy Branch of the BC government administers the provincial Residential Tenancy Act. Staff provide information and some assistance to clients who are having problems with their landlords. The website has forms and good information about residential tenancy law and procedures.

Website: The website has Solution Explorer, which is an online tool to help you find information about your tenancy problem and solve your dispute. It also has links to guides and information sheets.

Website gov.bc.ca
Phone Lower Mainland: 1-604-660-1020
Victoria: 250-387-1602
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8779


Seniors First BC (formerly BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support)[edit]

Seniors First BC (formerly BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support - BCCEAS) is a non-profit organization helping older adults. They operate Seniors' Legal Clinics in the Lower Mainland and a toll-free Seniors Advocacy and Information Line (SAIL) that provides information and referrals.

Website: The Resources section has fact sheets and e-books on residential care and elder abuse.

Website seniorsfirstbc.ca
Phone 1-604-437-1940
Toll-free: 1-866-437-1940
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Service BC[edit]

Service BC offices are the business offices of the provincial government in about 60 communities in British Columbia. They have written and online pamphlets and government forms as well as public access computer terminals. Service BC staff can help with issues involving the provincial government, and refer you to an appropriate service.

Website: To locate in-person support, use the Service Finder Map to see a map of local Service BC offices.

Website gov.bc.ca
Phone 1-604-660-2421
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
TDD: 1-800-661-8773


Service Canada[edit]

Service Canada is the main point of contact for information about federal government services. Staff can give contact information to make a complaint about a worker in a federal government ministry or agency. There are over 60 offices in BC.

Website: The website has links to services by subject. The Find a Service Canada Office page lets you search for in-person service by postal code or by city and has a directory of locations by province.

Website canada.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)


Small Claims Court[edit]

Small Claims Court handles cases for amounts up to $35,000, and the court has registries in various communities in BC. As of June 1, 2017, the Civil Resolution Tribunal began resolving most small claims up to $5,000. The registries and the website provide information on procedure, rules, fees, filing, and forms.

Phone: Call Service BC at 1-800-663-7867 and ask for the Small Claims Court registry nearest you.

Website gov.bc.ca
Phone No phone service available
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Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre[edit]

The Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) is a non-profit organization that promotes the legal protection of residential tenants across BC by providing information, education, support, and research on residential tenancy matters. TRAC's main programs and services include a Tenant Infoline, direct advocacy, legal education workshops, and online course - Renting It Right.
Website tenants.bc.ca
rentingitright.ca
Phone 604-255-0546
1-800-665-1185
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Vehicle Sales Authority of BC[edit]

Vehicle Sales Authority of BC helps resolve complaints with licensed car dealers.

Website: The Fact Sheets page has information on buying a new or used car, and what to do if there is a problem. The website also has videos on buying tips, consumer FAQs, an online database of licensed dealers and salespeople, and a form to report an unregistered motor dealer (curber).

Website www.mvsabc.com
Phone 604-575-7255
Toll-free: 1-877-294-9889


Victims Info[edit]

The Victims Info website contains a broad range of information, videos and contact resources for victims and witnesses of crime. Topics include services for victims, reporting a crime, criminal charges, going to court, sentencing and more.
Website victimsinfo.ca
Phone No phone service available


VictimLINK[edit]

VictimLINK is a phone service that provides information and referrals to all victims of crime, and crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence. They also provide information on the justice system, crime prevention, safety planning, protection order registry, and other resources. VictimLINK provides service in over 100 languages, including 17 North American aboriginal languages.
Website victimlinkbc.ca
Phone Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808
TTY: 1-604-875-0885, to call collect, please call the Telus Relay Service at 711
Text: 1-604-836-6381
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Vital Statistics Agency[edit]

The website of the Vital Statistics Agency of BC helps people register and order certificates that prove vital events like birth, death, change of name, and marriage. It also includes a wills registry to register the location of a will, or to search for a wills notice as part of the probate process.
Website gov.bc.ca
Phone 1-250-952-2681

Toll-free: 1-888-876-1633


Workers' Advisers[edit]

The BC government's Workers' Advisers provide information, assistance, advice and occasional representation to clients on workers' compensation issues. There are no financial eligibility requirements but services are limited.

Website: The Contacts page has contact information of Workers' Advisers regional offices in British Columbia.

Website gov.bc.ca
Phone 1 800 663-4261 (Lower Mainland)
1 800 663-6695 (Interior)
1 800 661-4066 (Vancouver Island)
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v • d • e
 
Resource List
Information or self-help
Legal advocacy, advice
or representation
Counselling or support
Government services
Laws, cases & rules

(1) A lawyer or a person other than a lawyer who helps clients with legal issues, or (2) to argue a position on behalf of someone.

A kind of legislation that provides supplemental rules for a particular act. Regulations are created and amended by the government, not by the legislature, and as a result the legislature has no say in how or what regulations are imposed by government. See "act."

An act; a statute; a written law made by a government. See "regulations."

Normally referred to as the "Supreme Court of British Columbia," this court hears most of the trials in this province. The Supreme Court is a court of inherent jurisdiction and has no limits on the sorts of claims it can hear or on the sorts of orders it can make. Decisions of the Provincial Court are appealed to the Supreme Court; decisions of the Supreme Court are appealed to the Court of Appeal. See "Court of Appeal," "jurisdiction," "Provincial Court" and "Supreme Court of Canada."

Chattels, goods, money; property other than real property. See "chattel" and "real property."

With respect to courts, (1) the authority of the court to hear an action and make orders, (2) the limits of the authority of a particular judicial official, (3) the geographic location of a court, or (4) the territorial limits of a court's authority. With respect to governments, (5) the authority of a government to make legislation as determined by the constitution, or (6) the limits of authority of a particular government agency. See “constitution."

A sum of money or an obligation owed by one person to another. A "debtor" is a person responsible for paying a debt; a "creditor" is the person to whom the debt is owed.

The highest level of court in the province, having the jurisdiction to review decisions of the Supreme Court, all provincial lower courts, and certain tribunals. See "appeal."

(1) A lawyer, or (2) the advice given by a lawyer to their client.

In law, in British Columbia a person under the age of 19.

In law, to formally deliver documents to a person in a manner that complies with the rules of court. Service may be ordinary (mailed or delivered to a litigant's address for service), personal (hand-delivered to a person), or substituted (performed in a way other than the rules normally require). See "address for delivery," "ordinary service," "personal service" and "substituted service."

A term under the Family Law Act which describes the arrangements for parental responsibilities and parenting time among guardians, made in an order or agreement. "Parenting arrangements" does not include contact. See "contact," "guardian," "parental responsibilities" and "parenting time."

Under the Family Law Act, a term that describes the time a person who is not a guardian of a child, including a parent who is not a guardian, has with that child. Under the Divorce Act, a term that describes the time a person who is not a married spouse has with a child. See "guardian" and "parental responsibilities."

A payment made by one spouse to the other spouse to help with the recipient's day-to-day living expenses or to compensate the recipient for the financial choices the spouses made during the relationship.

Something which can be owned. See "chattels" and "real property."

A term under the Family Law Act referring to property acquired by either or both spouses during their relationship, as well as after separation if bought with family property. Both spouses are presumed to be entitled to share equally in any family property. See "excluded property."

In family law, the act or process of taking another person's child as one's own. The child becomes the adopting parent's legal child as if the child were the adopting parent's natural child, while the natural parent loses all rights and obligations with respect to the child. See "natural parent."

Under the Family Law Act, a term which describes the time a guardian has with a child and during which is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. Under the Divorce Act, a term which describes the time a spouse has with a child and during which is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. See "guardian" and "spouse."

Under the old Divorce Act, the schedule of a parent's time with their children under an order or agreement, replaced with "parenting time" and "contact" in the new Divorce Act. Access usually referred to the schedule of the parent with the least amount of time with the child. See "contact," "custody" and "parenting time."

In family law, an antiquated term used by the old Divorce Act to describe the right to possess a child and make parenting decisions concerning the child's health, welfare and upbringing. Replaced in the new Divorce Act with the term decision-making responsibility." See "access," "decision-making responsibility" and "parenting time."

Money paid by one parent or guardian to another parent or guardian as a contribution toward the cost of a child's living and other expenses.

The testing of the claims in a court proceeding at a formal hearing before a judge with the jurisdiction to hear the proceeding. The parties present their evidence and arguments to the judge, who then makes a decision resolving the parties' claims against one another that is final and binding on the parties unless successfully appealed. See "action," "appeal," "argument," "claim," "evidence" and "jurisdiction."

A person licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction by that jurisdiction's law society. See "barrister and solicitor."

A dispute resolution process in which a specially-trained neutral person facilitates discussions between the parties to a legal dispute and helps them reach a compromise settling the dispute. See "alternative dispute resolution" and "family law mediator."

Processes used to resolve legal disputes, including negotiation, collaborative settlement processes, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

A request to the court that it make a specific order, usually on an interim or temporary basis, also called a "chambers application" or a "motion." See also "interim application" and "relief."

A court proceeding in which one party sues another for a specific remedy or relief, also called a "lawsuit" or a "case." An action for divorce, for example, is a court proceeding in which the claimant sues the respondent for the relief of a divorce order.

In law, (1) the physical railing separating the public gallery in a courtroom from the area where the judge and lawyers sit, (2) lawyers as a group, or (3) the place where lawyers go after work.

In law, having the capacity, ability, or authorization to do a thing. A person who is competent to give evidence is sane and able to understand the issues and results of their evidence. A court that is competent has the authority to deal with the issues in a case and authority over the parties to that case.

(1) A central office, located in each judicial district, at which the court files for each court proceeding in that district are maintained, and at which legal documents can be filed, searched, and reviewed, or (2) a courthouse.

An order available under the Family Law Act for the protection of a person at risk of family violence. Protection orders include orders restraining someone from harassing, contacting, or stalking a person, as well as orders restraining someone from going to a person's home, place of employment, or school. See "application," "ex parte" and "restraining order."

A legal relationship between two persons, whether of the same or opposite genders, that is solemnized by a marriage commissioner or licenced religious official and gives rise to certain mutual rights, benefits, and obligations. See also "conjugal rights," "consortium," and "marriage, validity of."

The process of checking the validity of a will, distributing a dead person’s estate, and settling their debts according to the instructions set out in that person's will. See "estate" and "will."

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