Author: Clicklaw Editor

Clicklaw Monthly Roundup: June 2020

New on Clicklaw

We share with you a monthly roundup of changes to Clicklaw’s collection. Here is a summary of updates done in June 2020. For resources specific to pandemic responses, go to Covid-19 Resources for British Columbians (bit.ly/covid19bc).

Solve Problems

The National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP)

  • So you’re representing yourself (new)
    This initial “getting you started” primer gives an overview of the self-rep process, and the other guides you can find from us on various topics. If you are or are going to be a self-represented litigant in family or civil court, this primer is for you. Also available in audio format on SoundCloud.
  • A starter checklist to help you represent yourself in family or civil court (new)
    This checklist helps you prepare yourself before going to court. This version includes some examples. A blank version of the checklist that you can customize is also available.
  • Settlement Smarts for Self-Represented Litigants (updated)
    This primer helps you prepare and navigate the settlement processes you may encounter during your time as a self-represented litigant. Includes personal & strategic tips specific to the process. Also available in audio format on SoundCloud.
  • Coping with the Courtroom: Essential Tips and Information for Self-Represented Litigants (updated)
    Provides info on what to expect on your day in court (What does the courtroom look like? When do I stand & sit? How do I address the judge?). Includes practical information on how to present your evidence, how to question witnesses, how to object, how to make opening & closing statements, etc. Also available in audio format on SoundCloud.

Reform & Research

Raising the Alarm: The Case for Better Flame Retardant Regulation in Canada (new)
by Environmental Law Centre, University of Victoria

Report written for the Victoria Fire Fighters Association about improving flame retardant regulations in Canada.

HelpMap

NSRLP West
by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) West

Endeavoring to connect those who represent themselves in court and elsewhere with the information and assistance they seek. NSRLP West aims to provide connections with resources that may be helpful to people representing themselves in court or elsewhere in their lives. We do not provide legal advice but can listen and respond to the needs of people who are self representing (self-represented litigants/SRLs) in order to research and advocate for change within the justice system. We are currently assisting the community of Kamloops

Stay informed:

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Blog post banner for Legal Help from Home: North Shore Pro Bono Society

Legal Help from Home: North Shore Pro Bono Society

Community posts

Legal Help from Home is a Clicklaw Blog series highlighting free or low-cost resources available during COVID-19. This post is the last in the series.

Public health directives associated with the response to COVID-19 have changed accessibility to various services, creating what can be a confusing landscape for anyone needing access to legal resources. To ease confusion and highlight resources available, Clicklaw has put together the Covid-19 Resources for British Columbians wikibook. We are also featuring legal help and tools in this and past Clicklaw Blog posts. The resources featured in this series provide help beyond finding legal info and are accessible from home or remotely.

Pro bono legal services in the North Shore

The North Shore Pro Bono Society is offering legal help in the areas of estate planning, dispute resolution education, and family mediation. Their mission is to offer legal help to those experiencing financial barriers in access to justice, mainly through keeping costs low to free for clients. The services are for West and North Vancouver residents, though they may accept people coming from other areas.

Estate planning

The Estate Planning Service offers assistance with ensuring that the paperwork is in place to have your affairs in order. This includes the following legal documents:

  • Wills
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Representation Agreements

To be eligible for assistance, you and/or your spouse/partner must:

  1. Have an individual gross annual income of less than $35,000.00 or a spousal combined gross annual income of less than $75,000.00; and
  2. Have less than $100,000.00 of equity in assets, excluding pension plans.

Dispute resolution education

North Shore Pro Bono’s Dispute Resolution Education program offers coaching and educational workshops for anyone regarding divorce, separation, parenting agreements, support and division of property and debt. Whether you are unsure of your rights and obligations, or what step to take next, this program is highly useful.

Family mediation

When two parties disagree but are willing to engage in a conversation to figure it out, mediation can be an essential tool in reaching an agreement that works for all parties. The Family Mediation program helps you by assigning a mediator to help both you and the other party:

  • overcome disagreement, and
  • find solutions regarding property division, support and custody.

To be eligible to participate in this project, you and your spouse must:

  1. Have a combined gross annual income of less than $75,000.00; and
  2. Have less than $100,000.00 of equity in assets, excluding pension plans.

How will it work?

Interested parties are required to fill out an initial intake form, available on the website. You can fill out the form electronically and email it or print it and send it to the office by mail. If you have questions regarding your situation, call them at 778-786-0615.

If you are eligible, meetings will be available via phone, Zoom, or in-person with social distancing & PPE in the office as needed.

Get in contact

For more information about accessing North Shore Pro Bono’s remote legal services, visit https://northshoreprobono.ca/services/

Find it on Clicklaw: https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/organization/helpmap/1265

Stay informed:

To stay informed on resources available during COVID-19 restrictions, visit Covid-19 Resources for British Columbians.

Find it on Clicklaw: https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4725 or use short URL: bit.ly/covid19bc

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