Last reviewed in February 2023 by the Clicklaw Editors

Small Claims Court and the Supreme Court of BC both handle general civil law matters. There are several differences between these two courts.

Small Claims Court
Small Claims Court is for most disputes about debts or damages from $5,001 to $35,000. The process is generally simpler and faster than the Supreme Court of BC, and is designed for people to use without a lawyer.

If your claim is for $5000 or less, you can use the Civil Resolution Tribunal. See the Provincial Court's resource, Important Changes to Small Claims Court for more information.

To learn more about Small Claims Court, good starting points include: 

• Small Claims BC  website from Justice Education Society includes information, videos and personalized free legal help through online chat and phone support
• What is Small Claims Court? , a website from the Ministry of Justice, gives a basic explanation of small claims court process
• Starting a Lawsuit, from People's Law School, provides an overview of the process and the types of cases that can be heard in Small Claims Court.

Supreme Court of British Columbia
The Supreme Court of BC is for disputes over $35,000, with some exceptions. The court process for the Supreme Court of BC is more complicated than Small Claims Court and often takes longer. 

The Supreme Court of BC also hears appeals from the Provincial Court, including Small Claims Court, and some administrative tribunals.

To learn more about the Supreme Court of BC, good starting points include:

• Supreme Court of BC, from the Justice Education Society, provides an overview of the court, as well as links to self-help materials.
• Courts of BC, from the Justice Education Society, provides an overview of all of the courts of BC. On the homepage, click on the link for Supreme Court to learn more about it.

Small Claims Court or Fast Track Litigation in Supreme Court from Justice Education Society of BC provides more information about your options.

Choosing a court for your case can be complicated and it’s a good idea to get legal advice. Use Clicklaw’s HelpMap to find legal help in your community.
 

See our related common questions:

• I may have to go to BC Supreme Court. Where do I start?
• Provincial Court resources for everyone: small claims court
• See all common questions about courts & tribunals

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Supreme Court, going to court, starting a case, small claims, small claims court