Small claims court limit is $100,000
Small Claims Changes
As of August 1, 2023, the limit for civil claims has been raised to $100,000. Last set in 2014, this increase doubles the previous limit and was done by the Alberta government after consulting all three Alberta courts, the Law Society of Alberta, and additional organizations in the legal community.
Offering benefits to both individuals and businesses, a key one will be more cases being held at the lower Courts, meaning more affordable and accessible alternatives to higher Courts for all.
Working to clear a backlog of cases in the higher Courts (I.E. Court of King’s Bench), the higher Courts will be able to focus on the more complex cases. This change will mean those cases will be resolved quicker and more efficiently leading to shorter timelines and lower fees compared to higher Courts.
Increasing access to justice in Alberta, the changes mean fewer people will need to hire a lawyer as more cases will be heard in Provincial court, sometimes by a mediator or, in some situations, in front of a judge. Less complicated cases will go to a mediator. If mediation does not work, a case flow management judge will designate where it goes next. Options may include an expedited trial, or a trial in front of a provincial judge.
While the new limit applies only to small claims filed on or after August 1, 2023, note it may not affect claims under some statutes that have their own limits. As per the Alberta Court of Justice Civil Division, you can sue for an amount up to $100,000 plus interest and costs.
If you’d like to know more, please contact our office and set-up a consultation with one of our team!
Rental Dispute Changes
The Province also moved landlord/tenant disputes out of court. They will now be heard by a Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
Click Here for More Information on Our Related Services.
As of August 1, 2023, the limit for civil claims has been raised to $100,000. Last set in 2014, this increase doubles the previous limit and was done by the Alberta government after consulting all three Alberta courts, the Law Society of Alberta, and additional organizations in the legal community.
Offering benefits to both individuals and businesses, a key one will be more cases being held at the lower Courts, meaning more affordable and accessible alternatives to higher Courts for all.
Working to clear a backlog of cases in the higher Courts (I.E. Court of King’s Bench), the higher Courts will be able to focus on the more complex cases. This change will mean those cases will be resolved quicker and more efficiently leading to shorter timelines and lower fees compared to higher Courts.
Increasing access to justice in Alberta, the changes mean fewer people will need to hire a lawyer as more cases will be heard in Provincial court, sometimes by a mediator or, in some situations, in front of a judge. Less complicated cases will go to a mediator. If mediation does not work, a case flow management judge will designate where it goes next. Options may include an expedited trial, or a trial in front of a provincial judge.
While the new limit applies only to small claims filed on or after August 1, 2023, note it may not affect claims under some statutes that have their own limits. As per the Alberta Court of Justice Civil Division, you can sue for an amount up to $100,000 plus interest and costs.
If you’d like to know more, please contact our office and set-up a consultation with one of our team!
Rental Dispute Changes
The Province also moved landlord/tenant disputes out of court. They will now be heard by a Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
Click Here for More Information on Our Related Services.
Disclaimer: The information on this web page is meant as general information only. It is not meant to be used as legal advice for specific legal problems. Information is checked for legal accuracy at the time it is posted but may become outdated as laws change.
