Small claims court limit is $50,000
Small Claims changes
The Province and lawyers alike agree changes to Alberta’s civil litigation system that will now see small claims as high as $50,000 will allow more people to access justice when it comes to business deals gone bad.
The past change includes raising the claim limit from $25,000 up to $50,000 and introducing a quick trial for less complicated claims that will take half-an-hour. The move will free up time in Court of Queen’s Bench, where cases involving disputes more than $50,000 are heard. It also means 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.
Under the new rules, 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 include the expedited trial or in front of a provincial judge.
The Province also increased the number of judges and support staff to handle the influx of cases that will now be seen in Provincial court.
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.
The Province and lawyers alike agree changes to Alberta’s civil litigation system that will now see small claims as high as $50,000 will allow more people to access justice when it comes to business deals gone bad.
The past change includes raising the claim limit from $25,000 up to $50,000 and introducing a quick trial for less complicated claims that will take half-an-hour. The move will free up time in Court of Queen’s Bench, where cases involving disputes more than $50,000 are heard. It also means 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.
Under the new rules, 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 include the expedited trial or in front of a provincial judge.
The Province also increased the number of judges and support staff to handle the influx of cases that will now be seen in Provincial court.
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
