It’s one of those topics that we usually like to dance around or pointedly avoid until a problem is staring us in the face.
I’ve narrowed it down three possible culprits:
we may think learning about estate planning and personal planning is too difficult and complicated;
we may think it costs too much money; and/or
in the context of personal planning, we may easily conceive of accidents happening to us as we explore new and unknown places, but not in our own home, workplace or community.
Here are some ways to take the first step:
Make a Will Week encourages the public to write their will or bring an existing will up-to-date.
There’s no better time than now to start learning about the importance of having these legal documents in place. Think of it like travel insurance–nobody especially likes planning for it, but don’t you want to make sure you’re covered in a crisis?
At the Wills and Personal Planning Resources page on the Courthouse Libraries BC website, you have one page with information guides, forms, free or nominal-fee services, tools, and events—for everyone to use. Did you know about CBA BC’s Dial-a-Lawyer Day coming up on April 16th?
Along with the other Law Week presentations, bookmark Nidus’ topical presentation (free, in-person) at People’s Law School on April 14th, which will cover the key legal documents, as well as:
the recent ruling on physician-assisted death, and
April 16, 10am-2pm: Dial-a-Lawyer Day – Over the Phone – Free 15 minute consultation with a lawyer in these areas of the law: Business, Criminal, Employment, Family, Foreclosure, Immigration, Real Estate, Torts & MVA, Wills & Estates. Multiple languages available.
Family and civil law issues: separation, divorce, income security, employment, housing and debt.
A range of information and services are available, designed to help you find an early and affordable solution.
If you don’t live in Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo, see “How Can I Get in Touch?” at the end of this post for phone numbers you can call for information.
Specific services that JACs offer:
Get help with and information about court forms, civil legislation, court procedures, mediation, and more.
You can:
meet with intake staff who assess your needs;
get informed about the Family Law Act, the Divorce Act, and various other civil-related legislation;
get informed about the different levels of court and related court procedures;
get a referral to a mediator (family justice counsellors and other mediation options), other dispute resolution professionals, legal services and community resources;
access Provincial and Supreme Court forms; and
get help with court forms and access computers and dedicated staff for assistance in the Self Help Resource Room (In Nanaimo, if you would like self-help assistance, book an appointment with an interviewer in advance. You can also get help with simple forms on the phone.)
Help from Partnering Agencies at some JAC locations:
Practical, accessible, and affordable choices to prevent, manage and resolve non-family civil disputes (any kind of dispute outside of: separation and divorce, personal injury, child protection or criminal matters).
Vancouver and Victoria have an onsite Mediation Advisor who can explore and help connect people to civil mediators; Nanaimo clients are referred to Victoria.
Family Duty Counsel (FDC) and Family Advice Lawyer (FAL) services (Provincial and Supreme Courts) are available for those who are seeking legal advice in relation to family matters and who do not qualify for legal representation through Legal Aid. FDC and FAL can provide advice about:
FMEP is a BC Ministry of Justice service that helps families and children entitled to spousal support or child support under a maintenance order or agreement.
The Vancouver JAC has an onsite outreach worker to help with the process, and provides information about enrolment, enforcement or changing an order.
Free and confidential help for consumers. A Counsellor will review your monthly budget, including: income, expenses and debt payments, and can provide information and guidance to help you make informed, financial decisions.
APB offers a number of programs which are offered onsite at the JAC (by appointment only, see contact info at end of post):
Legal Advice Clinic – Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minute free legal advice appointments for civil and family law issues. Call for financial criteria.
Wills Clinic Program – In partnership with the federal Department of Justice and the Provincial Ministry of Justice, APB operates a Wills clinic for low-income seniors (ages 55+) and people with terminal illnesses.
Court Form Preparation Clinic (Paralegal Program) – Vancouver JAC only. In partnership with Amici Curiae; support for self-represented litigants who need assistance in preparing BC Supreme Court, BC Court of Appeal, and BC Human Rights Tribunal documents.
How can I get in touch?
The Self Help Resource Rooms are in-person ONLY (no telephone assistance).
Reception and Intake Services can be reached by phone or drop-in.
Vancouver JAC
Located at the Vancouver Provincial Courthouse, #290-800 Hornby Street.
Hours are M-F, 8am-5pm, extended hours until 7pm on Wednesday by appointment, until 5:15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Self-Help Resource room is open 8:30-4pm.
Call 604.660.2084 or toll-free at 1-800-663-7867 and ask to be connected to 604.660.2084. The centre serves Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. If you can’t travel to the centre, call for information.
Victoria JAC
Located at 225 – 850 Burdett Avenue.
Hours are M-F 8am-5:30pm, extended hours until 6:30 on Thursday. Self-Help Resource Room is open 9-4pm.
Call 250.356.7012 or toll-free at 1-800-663-7867 and ask to be connected to 250.356.7012. The centre serves Victoria and the surrounding south Vancouver Island and Gulf Island communities. If you can’t travel to the centre, call for information.
Nanaimo JAC
Located at 302 – 65 Front St.
Hours are M-F 8-5:30pm, with extended hours on Wednesday until 7pm by appointment only.
Call 250 741-5447 or 1-800-578-8511. The centre serves Nanaimo and the surrounding mid-Island communities. If you can’t travel to the centre, call for information.
Note: JACs are not able to provide support or services for criminal issues, small claims court forms and filings, and some other specific legal solutions.
Victoria JAC
Nanaimo JAC
