Publications (available in hard copies at The Advocacy Centre)
- Guide to Trouble Free Renting
- West Kootenay Family Law Resources
- West Kootenay Referral Information
- Persons with Disabilities Application Kit: information sheet and checklist; letter to doctors; PWD sample form
- Specialized Victim Services brochure
- Advocacy Centre brochure
Links
Legal information/advice
- Legal Aid – 1.866.577.2525 Province-wide Call Centre. Advocacy Centre staff can take applications for Legal Aid representation for some types of cases. Make an appointment with us, or make your application through the call centre. Available to people who meet financial guidelines and who need legal representation in court for; serious criminal charges with a likelihood of jail, mental health commitment hearings, serious family law problems, child protection matters and immigration problems. (Hours are Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri – 9 am to 4 pm and Wed 9 am to 2:30 pm) Call Centre has translation services available.
- Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC – 1.866.577.2525 Province-wide Call Centre. Specific assistance for aboriginal people who need legal representation in court for; serious criminal charges with a likelihood of jail, mental health commitment hearings, serious family law problems, child protection matters and immigration problems, legal issues on reserve, healing plans and Gladue rights.
- Lawyer referral service – 1.800.663.1919. The program will connect you with a lawyer for one free 30-minute initial consultation.
- Access Justice Pro Bono Law Clinics – 1.877.762.6664. Free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer if financial criteria is met.
- Dial A Law 1.800.565.5297 – Operated by the People’s Law School. Starting point for information on the law in B.C.
- Click Law
- Courthouse Libraries BC
Family Law
- Legal Aid BC Family Law Line – If you don’t qualify for legal aid, you may still qualify for free legal advice over the phone from a family lawyer. To find out if you’re eligible, call the Provincial Call Centre at 1.866.577.2525 between 9:00 and 3pm on weekdays (only open until 2:30pm on Wednesdays).
- Family Law Duty Counsel There is a ‘duty counsel’ lawyer present on Family Court days in Nelson and Rossland. Duty counsel will help you with your case in court if you do not have a lawyer of your own. To find out when there are Family court days, call the court registrar at 250.354.6165 (Nelson) and 250.362.7368 (Rossland).
Income Assistance and Disability Benefits
Landlord/tenant
- Residential Tenancy Branch
- Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre
- West Kootenay Landlords Association
- Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC
Other
- Ombudsperson
- FETCH For Everything That’s Community Health – Community and health resources in the Kootenay/Boundary
- Ministry of Justice – Victim’s Rights Your rights if you’re a victim of crime
- Mental Health Rights
- Housing in Castlegar
The Advocacy Centre 