A trained legal advocate (who is a paralegal) provides:

• legal information to older adults who call our toll-free Seniors Advocacy & Information Line with a legal question; and
• representation to older adults with legal problems related to access to safe housing and access to government benefits and pensions.

The legal advocate can also provide some limited information about elder abuse and the legal rights of older adults to friends, family members and professionals who are concerned about an older adult.

Legal Questions

Older adults with legal questions are invited to call the Seniors Advocacy & Information Line at 604-437-1940 or 1-866-437-1940 (toll free).

Depending on what the question is, a legal advocate may:

• speak to you to answer the question;
• send written material that answers the question;
• refer you to other programs and services in the community that are more suited to your need; and/or
• schedule you for a longer telephone consultation to discuss your legal question or problem in more detail.

Representation at Hearings and Tribunals

The legal advocate, under the supervision of a practicing lawyer, also provides assistance to older adults who have a legal problem in the areas of housing or benefits/ pensions.  This includes helping the older adult prepare for the hearing where he or she will be self representing and attending hearings or tribunals on behalf of clients.