We offer pro bono legal advice to eligible older adults (55+) residing in BC through our Elder Law Clinic, Community Legal Clinics, Advance Planning Clinics, and Legal Advocacy Program. Contact our Seniors Abuse and Information Line at 604-437-1940 or Toll Free at 1-866-437-1940 for more information or to arrange a consultation with our legal team.

Eligibility Criteria: 

To be eligible for our Elder Law Clinic, Community Legal Clinics, and Legal Advocacy Program, a person’s gross annual income must be under $40,000 for a 1-person household + $10,000 per additional household member (e.g. $50,000 for 2, $60,000 for 3, and $70,000 for 4).

Eligibility for Advance Planning services (such as for drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Representation Agreements) will be determined during the intake process.

Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Elder Law Clinic

We offer pro bono legal advice to eligible older adults residing in BC through our Elder Law Clinic and Legal Advocacy Program. 

The Elder Law Clinic offers support on a wide range of legal matters, including: 

• Preparing wills, powers of attorney, representation agreements. 
• Explaining legal proceedings and what to expect in court. 
• Reviewing court documents. 
• Preparing cases and submissions. 
• Representation at certain court hearings. 
• Assistance in matters of adult guardianship. 
• General legal advice. 

While we do not offer legal services in either family or criminal law, we can direct persons to organizations who may be able to assist. 

Community Legal Clinics 

We offer legal consultations for older adults in the community at several locations by appointment: 

• Seniors First BC Office in Downtown Vancouver – by appointment only. 
• Kay’s Place in collaboration with West End Seniors’ Network in Vancouver – every 1st Wednesday of the month, from 10 am to 12 pm. 
• Minoru Centre for Active Living in Richmond – every 4th Thursday of the month from 10 am to 12 pm. 
• Seniors’ Services Society of BC in New Westminster – every 3rd Friday of the month from 2 pm to 4 pm. 
• Newton Seniors Centre in Surrey – every first Tuesday of the month between 10 am to 12 pm. 
• Burnaby Neighbourhood House South House – every 2nd Tuesday of the month between 10 am and 1 pm. 
• Burnaby Community Services – every 4th Tuesday of the month between 10 am to 1 pm. 
• New! Vancouver Coastal Health Deaf Well-Being Program in Burnaby – Two Thursdays each month in the mornings and afternoons. ASL interpretation provided.

New! – Advance Planning Clinics 

Our staff lawyers and volunteer legal professionals can help eligible low-income older adults (55+) with drafting and executing Wills, Powers of Attorneys, and Representation Agreements.  

Clinic Locations:

Prince George – in partnership with the Prince George Council of Seniors. Clinics are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month by appointment at the Brunswick Street Seniors Centre (425 Brunswick Street).

Nanaimo – in partnership with the Nanaimo Family Life Association. Clinics are held on the 1st and 4th Fridays of the month by appointment at Nanaimo Family Life Association (1070 Townsite Road).

Victoria – Clinics will also be launching in Victoria in the near future. Please check back for updates.

For more information, call our Advance Planning program at 604-336-5653 (Lower Mainland) or 1-833-512-0665 (Elsewhere in BC) or email APclinics@seniorsfirstbc.ca. 

Legal Advocacy Program 

Our legal advocate can provide legal advice and representation on the following legal issues: 

• Residential Tenancy/Housing 
• Debt 
• Pensions and Benefits 

Seniors First BC’s Legal Programs are made possible with funding from The Law Foundation of BC. For other issues that impact the health and well-being of older adults, call our Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) — a safe place for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment and receive information or support.