Category: How we can improve Clicklaw

Common Questions 2016 Update

How we can improve Clicklaw, New on Clicklaw

What are Common Questions (CQs)?

Clicklaw links to so many great resources, which can make it difficult to decide which one to read first. Clicklaw’s Common Questions are like an extended legal FAQ. They help narrow down the resources people should start with. We are currently working on reviewing and updating our 160 questions.

An example of a Common Question:

renting_rights

In the last 30 days, these 5 CQs received over 4000 views:

Some of our new or updated questions are:

  • Can I get a legal order to keep an abuser away from me? Updated: Effective December 5, 2016, the Ministry of Justice will coordinate the service of protection orders under the Family Law Act, when the order is issued without the respondent (i.e. abuser) in court. This is to ensure that someone’s (your) inability to hire a process server does not hinder service.
  • I think I was sexually harassed. What can I do? This common question directs you to information resources, as well as to the BC Human Rights Clinic that can provide help to resolve your issue.
  • What does the new Societies Act require? The new Societies Act is in force as of November 28, 2016. Pre-existing societies have a two-year transition period to come into compliance with the new act. There are numerous helpful resources and services to help you transition.
  • Is marijuana legal in BC? Not for recreational use. Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense across Canada, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This common question explains the exceptions, and has information on the Canadian government’s Task Force on Marijuana Legalization and Regulation.

Do you have an idea for a Common Question?

Do you get asked the same questions over and over again by your clients? Send your suggestions to: editor[@]clicklaw.bc.ca

Stay informed:

01_Clicklaw_30px01_Twitter_30px01_Linkedin_30px01_Website_30pxFB-f-Logo__blue_29

Clicklaw Year-End Update

Get help using Clicklaw, How we can improve Clicklaw, New on Clicklaw

We ran a pop-up survey from mid-October to mid-December on the main Clicklaw website to get feedback from website (and now mobile) users like you. The survey has now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated. The draw winner was randomly selected from all entries submitted and has been contacted — congratulations! We’ll share what we’ve learned from you in the new year.

Our Clicklaw contributors have been adding and updating great resources and services to Clicklaw throughout 2015.

Here is a small window* into the activity on the site, with a resource or service featured for each month, for the sake of brevity:

*We will do our best to provide bi-monthly updates in 2016 of all newly added or modified resources and services.

 
01_LSS_NoContactIf You Have a No Contact Order Made Against You
by Legal Services Society

What is a no contact order? What are the different types?

 

TRACTemplate Letters for Tenants
by Tenancy Resource & Advocacy Centre

Experiencing a problem in your tenancy? Consider putting your concerns in writing to your letter – templates for requesting repairs, returning of deposit, response to an illegal eviction notice, loss of quiet enjoyment, bed bugs and more.


 logo_nslrpThe CanLII Primer
by The National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP)

A primer designed to help self-represented litigants (SRLs) navigate CanLII in order to prepare for the presentation of their cases – in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation. CanLII is a free online legal service.

 

logo_cbabcDoor-to-Door Sales, Time Shares, and Contracts You Can Cancel
by The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC)

Some types of contracts can be cancelled in certain circumstances. This script discusses door-to-door sales, fitness club memberships and other similar contracts, and how you can cancel them.

 

logo_mediatebcSliding Scale Family Mediation
by Mediate BC Society

Families who are experiencing separation and divorce can get help finding a family mediator with fees set on a sliding scale. A family mediator can help you reach decisions about issues such as property division, child and spousal support, parenting time and guardianship without going to court.

 

logo_qmunity

Queer Directory @ QMUNITY
by QMUNITY

Talk to Information and Referral Volunteers who can help you find queer-competent services, including legal advice.

 

logo_westcoastleafJane Doe Legal Clinic
by West Coast LEAF

Free legal advice appointments in Vancouver for women survivors of violence with child welfare and family law issues. Some multilingual and accessibility support available.

 

logo_redcross

First Contact Vancouver
by Canadian Red Cross

This program provides refugee claimants with one place to access assistance on arrival through a 24-hour phone line offering services for free in 60+ languages.

 

cropped-clicklaw_logo_postit.pngProvincial Court Resources for Everyone: Family Court

Find helpful info on Family Matters you can deal with in B.C. Provincial Court – guardianship, parenting arrangements, child/spousal support, protection orders and more – here.

 

2015-10-02 16-42-35_Prepare for your trial_ Family Law in BCDiscovery – Sharing information with the other party
by Legal Services Society

Read about the court rules that govern the when, what and how of sharing information in a family law case.

 

bcgovSingle Parent Employment Initiative
by BC Ministry of Social Development & Social Innovation

This new initiative is aimed at removing barriers to employment for single parents on income and disability assistance, providing them with the training and support they need to secure long-term and sustainable employment.

 

bcgovRenting, Buying and Selling Strata
by BC Ministry of Natural Gas Development & Responsible for Housing

Learn more about renting in stratas: some stratas may restrict your ability to rent out your property. What are the legal requirements for buying and selling strata property?

Stay informed:

01_Clicklaw_30px 01_Twitter_30px 01_Linkedin_30px 01_Website_30pxFB-f-Logo__blue_29