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Self-Help Resource Rooms

Last updated on September 19, 2025

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About Self-Help Resource Rooms

At Justice Access Centres, we know you may be able to solve your own problems and issues with easy access to the right information. That is why every Justice Access Centre has a staffed Self-Help Resource Room.

We're here to help you with family law issues, including:

The centres do not deal with criminal issues, or small claims court forms and filings.

Anyone can come to a Self-Help Resource Room to get information or one-on-one help from staff. We can provide information about:

  • Court procedures
  • Legal issues

If we don’t have what you need, we will refer to you resources outside of the Justice Access Centre that can help you.

Available resources

Self-Help Resource Rooms provide a wide range of information and resources to help you with your situation. You'll find:

  • Justice Interviewers who can provide legal information and help with court documents
  • Family law reference materials
  • Printers and photocopiers

There are also computers, which can be used for:

Please note: You cannot access email from the Self-Help Resource Room computers. So, if you would like to save your work, you may wish to bring a USB memory stick. Otherwise, you will need to print any documents you would like to keep.

Getting legal information

Self-Help Resource Room staff can provide legal information, but not legal advice.

Legal information is general information about the law that helps someone identify a legal issue and related options.

Legal advice involves applying the law to a particular situation and providing a legal opinion and specific advice.

How to prepare for the Self-Help Resource Room

When you contact us, be ready with:

  • Addresses and phone numbers of any other people involved
  • Dates of any scheduled court appearances
  • Details of any previous related appointments
  • Copies of all relevant documents, such as court papers, contracts, letters or receipts

Access free family justice services in person or virtually at Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres.

  • Staff across B.C. can help you understand your options during separation or divorce. They can talk with you and assess your needs, and provide information about:
    • Parenting arrangements
    • Guardianship
    • Child and spousal support
    • Contact with a child
    • Property division respecting a companion animal 
  • To find the location nearest you, see the list of Family Justice Centre locations

Take a free Parenting After Separation course.

Find more family law information and legal help:

In a joint divorce, you and your spouse apply together for a simple, uncontested divorce. You both agree on all family law issues that affect your family and only need to apply for a divorce order.

Apply for a joint divorce

B.C. has a central authority that helps parents when someone takes their children to another country without permission. For details and contact information visit the International child abduction page.