Legal Resources

Explains that small claims court charges filing fees, which can be a barrier for many people. Find out how you can ask to have the fees waived, so you don’t have to pay them. It explains how the court decides whether or not to waive your fees, and the steps you need to take.

Learn about what claims you can bring in small claims court, and what the time limit is. It details the steps in the process (prepare the notice of claim, file the notice of claim on court, serve the notice on the defendant, wait for a reply, and attend the settlement conference).

Trial courts hear evidence and decide cases. British Columbia has two levels of trial court, Provincial Court and Supreme Court. Learn which type of cases each of these courts handle.

At a trial, the parties present evidence and a judge decides the case. If you’re going to trial in small claims court, learn how to prepare and what to expect.

If you take someone to court and the judge decides in your favour, it’s up to you to collect the money. Learn your options for getting your court judgment paid.

If a notice of claim names you as a defendant in a small claims court lawsuit, learn what options you have, how to act on them, and what happens next.

In some situations, parties may be able to attend court by telephone. But they’ll need to get court approval — in advance. Telephone hearings are more available before tribunals.

This self-help resource provides information and instructions for creating an affidavit. It also contains an example affidavit.

This primer is designed to help self-represented litigants (SRLs) navigate CanLII in order to prepare for the presentation of their cases — in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation. CanLII (canlii.org) is a free legal service that can be accessed by anyone on the web.

This “getting you started” primer will give you an overview of the process if you’re planning to be a self-represented litigant in family or civil court.