If you are representing yourself in a family law matter, you are going to need to conduct legal research. This can be challenging. You are going to need to identify specific sections of law that apply to your case, as well as list specific past cases that help demonstrate the merits of your case.

NOTE: This Guidebook does not provide legal advice and must not be used as a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide. This Guidebook provides general information to help people with matters in the BC Supreme Court.

Legal Arguments

BC Supreme Court processes are very formal. To be successful, you will need to make legal arguments to help the judge make the decision that you want. A legal argument is a specific way to present information in court.

Legal arguments follow this formula: Based on the law, the facts of my case, and the evidence provided, this is the decision I want to court to make (your application). This formula is described below, with an example of a street vendor getting a ticket for selling hot dogs.

​

Legal research is necessary for you to be able to make legal arguments. You need to understand what laws apply to your case and how the courts have decided in similar situations. You need to be able to prove the facts of your case and present evidence to explain why these laws apply to your case.

This Guidebook provides you with key information to help you conduct legal research to build legal arguments that support your application to the court.