A Wealth of Legal Resources are Available for Seniors
Aging is inevitable, and one of the unfortunate aspects of it is that the unwary can sometimes be taken advantage of by the unscrupulous. But fortunately, the law is there to protect everyone, including seniors. There are any number of legal resources available specifically to assist mature citizens, with some of the key ones listed below. However, it’s always wisest, especially when examining aspects of the law to refer to trusted legal advisors, lawyers, notaries or other professionals for accurate and current information. It’s all about protecting yourself and those you love.
Some of the primary legal matters seniors need to understand and control to provide for their security include Financial Planning, Wills and Estate Planning, Income Security Programs, Power of Attorney which means setting up systems or individuals to act for you in the event you’re no longer able, the Hiring of a Lawyer, Investor and Consumer Protection, prevention of Scams and Fraud, Income Tax Preparation and Tax Credits, Property Taxes, Donating to Charities and others. The following are resources seniors can access to learn more about how the law can protect them.
Canadian Centre for Elder Law:
The Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL) conducts research and develops reports and educational tools on legal and policy issues related to aging. The CCEL collaborates with community stakeholders and organizations to identify and address subjects that impact older people.
Clicklaw
Operated by the Courthouse Libraries BC as part of its ongoing mission to improve public access to legal information the website features legal information and education resources aimed at the public contributed to the site directly by over 40 contributor organizations. This online resource is funded by the Law Foundation of BCClicklaw was developed with a project grant from the Law Foundation of BC.
Legal Aid BC
Legal Aid BC (LABC) is a provincial Crown Corporation that was created by the Legal Services Society (LSS) Act in 1979 to provide legal information, advice, and representation services. Its priority is to serve the interests of people experiencing barriers accessing the legal system. Some of its services are available to all British Columbians. LABC is funded by the provincial government, with additional support from the Law Foundation of BC and the Notary Foundation of BC. We’re accountable to the public and remain independent of government.
Legal Services Society (LSS), British Columbia
Legal Services Society (LSS) is British Columbia’s legal aid services provider. LSS seeks to help those with serious family, child protection, immigration, and criminal law issues by providing a range of legal information, advice, and representation services that help people resolve their legal problems.
MOSAIC Legal Resources
The People’s Law School provides free legal information (but not legal advice) in plain language. The resources available through the People’s Law School include Writing a Will, Selecting an Executor, Senior’s Rights, Reporting Abuse, Avoiding Scams and more.
Seniors First BC
Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, advocacy, support and referrals to older adults across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being or rights. In addition, the group also assists those concerned about the welfare of older adults. Seniors First BC is committed to Protecting the legal rights of older adults; Increasing access to justice for older adults; Informing the public about elder abuse and to provide supportive programs for older adults who have been abused.
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) of British Columbia
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) of British Columbia serves adults who require assistance in decision making by protecting their legal rights, financial interests and personal care interests. The PGT also assists heirs and beneficiaries of deceased persons.
This multilingual website provides comprehensive and critical legal information in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese to Canadians. It is especially useful for newcomers and community workers.
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre
The Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization and was incorporated in 1995 as the Representation Agreement Resource Centre (RARC). Nidus/RARC was founded by citizens and community groups who were involved in the community-based reform of British Columbia’s adult guardianship legislation. The founding groups were the Alzheimer Society of BC, BC Association for Community Living, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, Council of Senior Citizen’s Organizations, Family Link, and Network of Burnaby Seniors.
Pacific Station Notaries
BC Notaries are governed by the Notaries Act of BC and the discipline of their professional society. Today, the position of Notary as a member of one of the branches of the legal profession is sanctioned and safeguarded by law. BC Notaries are unique in North America, providing non- contentious legal services to the public. BC Notaries are appointed for life by Royal Decree. They are trustees and qualified professionals who have earned the public’s confidence through their performance in various specified areas of law.
People’s Law School
If you need any help on these or other resources specialized for seniors please contact Ian Thompson: ian@ianthompsonrealestate.com