Glossary of Legal Terms
Legal words can feel heavier than they need to. This glossary explains common legal terms in plain language, so it is easier to read forms, service pages, letters, and other legal information with more confidence.
Search for a term, choose a letter, or narrow the list by legal area.
Clearer Meaning Before the Next Step
Common legal words are easier to understand when they are explained in plain language
These definitions are general information only. They are meant to make legal language easier to follow, not to replace guidance about your specific documents, deadlines, or circumstances.
Search for a term, choose a letter, or narrow the list by legal area.
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Child Support
Child support is money one parent pays to help cover a child’s everyday needs after separation. It is meant to help with things like housing, food, clothing, and other costs of raising a child, and it is usually based on the Child Support Guidelines.
Contact
Contact is the time a child spends with a person who is not a guardian, such as a grandparent or another important person in the child’s life. Contact can be set by agreement or court order.
Custody
Custody is an older term from divorce law that often referred to decision-making authority and care of a child. In B.C. family law, newer matters usually use parenting responsibilities and parenting time instead.
Need help understanding a legal term or issue?
Some terms only become clear once they are connected to your facts, documents, deadlines, and next decision. If a definition points to a larger issue, our team can help you understand what may matter next.
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