Legal Support for Seniors

Whether you are planning a will, powers of attorney or in need of general legal advice, there are several organizations in British Columbia (BC) that provide legal support for seniors.  As a senior in BC, if you are 55 and older with limited income, you may qualify for free legal advice.

Where to Find Legal Support

Elder Law Clinic (Seniors First BC)

This organization offers pro bono support to +55 BC residents.  Their services include drafting legal documents and assisting with legal hearings.  They are also conveniently located across the Lower Mainland with offices in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey.

Legal Aid BC

Legal Aid BC is a good resource for those in need of legal advice, especially if you have limited income.  They provide free legal advice on a variety of legal services.  The Legal Aid BC website also contains valuable reading material and is a good place to start if you are researching legal information.

Access Pro Bono (Law Society BC)

Access Pro Bono is a charitable organization with volunteers that provide legal services to help those in need across BC.

Real Estate Legal Advice

If you are looking for legal advice relating to the purchase or sale of a property, the following sites are good resources:

LawSociety.bc.ca (Finding a Lawyer)

BCLaws.gov.bc.ca (Real Estate)

LawSociety.bc.ca (Real Estate Legal Information)

A reputable real estate agent can also provide free advice on legal matters related to real estate.  At Retire BC we are here to assist seniors looking to buy or sell real estate in BC.  Our team of agents can walk you through the steps of purchasing real estate, if you are new to BC, or provide specific real estate advice.

Financial Exploitation

A topic not often discussed is financial abuse of seniors.  If you think a caregiver or someone you know is using your finances or assets, or attempting to acquire your finances and assets without your permission or through force, you should contact a legal advisor immediately.  Financial exploitation of seniors is a common crime and there are actions you can take if you think this is happening to you. This crime is most often committed by a trusted person under the pretence of looking out for your best interest.

Protect Yourself

All external entities referenced above are reputable government or non-profit organizations in BC. We do not endorse unvetted organizations or persons on our website. Before taking legal advice, always ensure you are talking to a licensed Legal Representative or Real Estate Agent.