Advocate for yourself
CLAS has developed the following self-help guides and information sheets to help prepare you for legal processes and proceedings.
Please note, these guides and information sheets do not constitute legal advice.
Do not rely on our publications (or any publication) for legal advice. Our legal publications are for educational purposes and they are not a substitute for getting advice from a lawyer. Please also note that the law and court practices can change without warning. If you are using our publications, you should check to make sure that they are up-to-date.
This site will help you represent yourself in a judicial review. It provides an overview of the judicial review process, along with information on preparing and filing your petition and affidavit.
Waiving Filing Fees in Small Claims Court
This guide is intended to help make Small Claims Court cheaper for you. Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, there are various filing fees associated with being in Small Claims Court. If you cannot afford these fees, you can apply to have them waived.
A Guide to a Successful Interview with a Lawyer
Many people can only afford a brief meeting with a lawyer. This guide will help you organize and prepare for your interview with a lawyer so that you can use the time more effectively.
Other Useful Links
Bring a Friend to Court
If you will be representing yourself in court, you may feel more comfortable if someone you trust is there with you. The Provincial Court of BC has developed guidelines for using a support person in Provincial Court.
This kit is designed to help you file a complaint with the BC Ombudsperson’s Office if you feel that you have experienced unfairness at the Residential Tenancy Branch.
Other Useful Links
List of Authorized Court Bailiffs
This is a list of the only bailiffs authorized by the Province of BC to execute Writs of Possession pursuant to the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. It is illegal for a landlord to remove your belongings from the rental unit without using one of the authorized court bailiffs on this list.
This guide outlines how you can challenge a decision that you disagree with about your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS) claim.
Summary of Hudson Decision (PWD Eligibility Criteria)
This is a one page summary of a court case concerning how the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal must consider “Person with Disabilities” applications. Applicants or advocates can submit this summary with original PWD applications, applications for reconsideration, or Tribunal appeal submissions.
This guide is prepared by Mental Health Law Program staff to help people who are detained under the Mental Health Act and representing themselves to prepare for at Mental Health Review Board Hearing.
FAQ: Canada Recovery Benefits
The government announced three new recovery benefits to help workers who are still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These new recovery benefits replace the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Go to FAQ: Canada Recovery Benefits
FAQ: Changes to Employment Insurance (2020)
The government has made a number of temporary changes to make it easier to qualify for EI because of COVID-19.
Go to FAQ: Changes to Employment Insurance (2020)
Challenging a Decision About Your Employment Insurance Claim
This guide describes how you can challenge a decision that you disagree with about your Employment Insurance (EI) claim.
This guide does not cover COVID-19 related benefits such as the CERB; instead please visit the Government of Canada website or visit our blog post.
As of June 1, 2010, people with outstanding warrants may be cut off, or ineligible for, welfare in BC until they take steps to deal with the outstanding warrant. This is a detailed summary of the changes and sets out which warrants impact eligibility, how warrants will be identified, what to do if you might have an outstanding warrant, and where to get legal help.