Family Law and You

Family Law and You: Representing Yourself in BC Supreme Court features four videos that assist people representing themselves in Supreme Court cases. These cases can include divorce, custody, access, guardianship and/or child support matters.

The videos draw on the expertise of a BC Supreme Court judge, a family law practitioner and a staff member from the BC Supreme Court Self Help Information Centre. Viewers can also follow the story of a woman who is representing herself in BC Supreme Court.

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Finding Legal Information

Part 1: Length 11:47min
0:00 Introduction
1:56 Why people go through the legal process on their own
3:20 Why people end up in Supreme Court vs Provincial Court
4:28 What resources are available for lean ring about the process
5:12 Vignette - The experience of Gwenn Keller
8:50 Reactions from panelists - What's good about the resource center
9:35 Resources for those not in Vancouver
10:20 Mindset needed to approach self–representation / Time needed / Steps to expect

Getting Legal Advice

Part 2: Length 11:44min
0:00 Alternatives to the court route
0:49 Difference between legal information and advice
1:48 Where to get legal advice
3:16 Vignette – Taking advantage of a duty counsel – free legal advice/self help kits
7:01 Alternatives to meeting with a lawyer / Law Line Lawyer
7:50 Other options free and not-free
9:45 Good idea to get some professional legal advice
10:18 Where do you get info on finding legal advice?
10:43 What are the differences when looking for specific advice?

Attending a Judicial Case Conference

Part 3: Length 10:05min
0:00 Intro to Judicial Case Conferences
2:20 Vignette – Gwenn goes to a Judicial Case Conference (JCC)
5:05 Back to panel – More on Judicial Case Conference (JCC)

Filling Out and Filing Legal Forms

Part 4: Length 11:57min
0:00 Preparing for a JCC
4:00 Vignette – Gwenn filing forms @ Court Registry
6:43 Back to panel – What happens after filing your documents
7:45 Continuing with the process
10:54 Credits

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The videos provide general information. They do not provide legal advice. Only a lawyer can provide legal advice.