January 25, 2010

Hot off the press from LSS

We’ve been busy since November with lots of revisions and reprints! Here are the latest. All except Benefits and Services for Seniors are available in print and online.

Aboriginal Child Protection Process: Information for Aboriginal Parents and Communities
This poster provides a step-by-step overview of the Aboriginal child protection process and information on the rights of Aboriginal children and families. The poster also informs parents of their options should their child need protection: asking for a family group conference, using traditional decision making, and asking for a mediator.

Can’t Pay Your Mortgage
We’ve updated and reprinted this popular booklet. Can’t Pay Your Mortgage? is intended for any homeowner who is about to miss a mortgage payment, has already missed one or more mortgage payments, or has received a petition to go to court. It explains what homeowners can do when lenders try to take their properties because of missed payments (foreclosure). The booklet also lists agencies that can provide information or other kinds of help.

Find out How to Use the Law at www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca
We’ve updated and reprinted our Family Law in BC website bookmark to reflect the latest changes to the site. Use this handy bookmark to provide your family law clients with the website address as well as a list of the types of information and resources they will find on the Family Law website.

If You Are Charged with a Crime
If You Are Charged with a Crime has been revised and reprinted. This short, easy-to-read brochure outlines what happens when someone is charged with a criminal offence. It briefly describes the court process and the different options that might be available. It also outlines the accused person's legal rights, what a lawyer can do, how to find a lawyer, and how to get legal aid or other legal help. The French version of the earlier edition of this brochure (online and in print) is still legally accurate.

If You Can’t Get a Lawyer for Your Criminal Trial: How to Make A Rowbotham Application
The first edition of this booklet flew off the shelves, so we’ve revised and reprinted it. If You Can’t Get a Lawyer for Your Criminal Trial is intended for people facing serious and complex criminal charges who have been denied legal aid but cannot afford a lawyer. It explains why, how, and when to ask the judge to appoint a free lawyer, and includes a checklist of points to cover in court and copies of the necessary court forms.

If You Can’t Pay Your Court Fine on Time
We’ve updated and reprinted this brochure, which explains what to do if someone cannot pay a court fine on time. If You Can’t Pay Your Court Fine on Time describes the four possible options available, including paying part of the fine by the due date, asking for an extension, asking for jail time instead, or doing nothing. It also explains what happens if fines are not paid and describes how jail terms are set. The Brydges Line telephone number is included for people who have been arrested.

Benefits and Services for Seniors
We've now translated this popular booklet into Korean (available online only).