How Small Claims Proceed (20:VIII) - Revision history

Nate Russell: 2026 update

2026-10-11T18:55:14Z

2026 update

LSLAP at 19:41, 13 October 2025

2025-10-13T19:41:33Z

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LSLAP at 17:51, 7 August 2024

2024-08-07T17:51:58Z

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Clicklaw Editor at 18:25, 19 September 2023

2023-09-19T18:25:32Z

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LSLAP: No edits needed

2023-09-08T20:53:17Z

No edits needed

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Clicklaw Editor at 22:57, 21 November 2022

2022-11-21T22:57:49Z

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	The tribunal member also has the authority to refuse to resolve the dispute on the basis of jurisdiction, or for reasons outlined in section 11 of the ''Civil Resolution Tribunal Act''.		The tribunal member also has the authority to refuse to resolve the dispute on the basis of jurisdiction, or for reasons outlined in section 11 of the ''Civil Resolution Tribunal Act''.


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LSLAP at 20:23, 12 August 2022

2022-08-12T20:23:42Z

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LSLAP at 20:23, 12 August 2022

2022-08-12T20:23:25Z

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	Complying with all of the court’s rules and orders will ensure that the claim is heard as soon as possible.		Complying with all of the court’s rules and orders will ensure that the claim is heard as soon as possible.

	== A~~. Changes due to COVID-19 ==~~		== A. Vancouver (Robson Square) and Richmond Small Claims ==

	Directions for in-person proceedings and filings for small claims court (i.e., claims above $5,000) have been significantly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions the provincial court registry placed on the services provided and documents that could be filed were removed on July 13, 2020. As of the time of writing, the following protocols apply to appearances:

	* In-person trials scheduled on or after July 3rd, 2020, have resumed.
	* Settlement conferences, trial conferences, and applications and payment hearings scheduled on or after July 3rd, 2020, are proceeding by audio or videoconference. As of May 25, 2021, the default for small claims trial conferences, settlement conferences, applications to a judge, and payment hearings, is by telephone or Teams audioconference or videoconference, unless a judge or judicial justice otherwise orders or directs. The default forms for small claims trials, including Rule 9.1 simplified trials and Rule 9.2 summary trials, and Rule 13 default hearings is in person unless a judge otherwise orders or directs (Provincial Court of BC website at https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19). For details about virtual conference and hearing, visit https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19-Conferences.

	Because of the fluid public health situation, the functioning of small claims proceedings is subject to ongoing change. For the latest updates, we recommend you contact the court registry or visit:https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19.

	~~Conversely, the CRT is fully functional and remained so throughout the pandemic.~~

	~~== B~~. Vancouver (Robson Square) and Richmond Small Claims ==

	=== 1. Claims of $5,001-$10,000 ===		=== 1. Claims of $5,001-$10,000 ===
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	If the claimant or counterclaimant is in the business of lending money or extending credit and is suing for a debt that arises from a loan or the extension of credit, a summary trial will be scheduled pursuant to Rule 9.2 of the ''SCR''; except for the trial, no other court appearances are typically required. The trial will be held before a judge and usually takes fewer than 30 minutes to complete.		If the claimant or counterclaimant is in the business of lending money or extending credit and is suing for a debt that arises from a loan or the extension of credit, a summary trial will be scheduled pursuant to Rule 9.2 of the ''SCR''; except for the trial, no other court appearances are typically required. The trial will be held before a judge and usually takes fewer than 30 minutes to complete.

	== C. Surrey, North Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo ==		== B. Surrey, North Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo ==

	=== 1. Claims of $10,000 or Less ===		=== 1. Claims of $10,000 or Less ===
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	Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third-party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.		Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third-party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.

	== D. Other Registries ==		== C. Other Registries ==

	=== 1. Claims of $10,000 or Less ===		=== 1. Claims of $10,000 or Less ===
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	If the parties do not reach an agreement at mediation on all issues, the registrar may set (a) a settlement conference (if a settlement conference has not been completed); (b) a trial (if a settlement conference has been completed); or (c) a trial conference (''SCR'', Rule 7.3(53)).		If the parties do not reach an agreement at mediation on all issues, the registrar may set (a) a settlement conference (if a settlement conference has not been completed); (b) a trial (if a settlement conference has been completed); or (c) a trial conference (''SCR'', Rule 7.3(53)).

	== E. Civil Resolution Tribunal ($5,000 or less) ==		== D. Civil Resolution Tribunal ($5,000 or less) ==

	The Civil Resolution Tribunal is designed to facilitate dispute resolution in a way that is accessible, fast, economical, and flexible. It relies heavily on electronic communication tools. It focuses on the resolution by agreement of the parties first, and by the tribunal’s binding decisions if no agreement is reached.		The Civil Resolution Tribunal is designed to facilitate dispute resolution in a way that is accessible, fast, economical, and flexible. It relies heavily on electronic communication tools. It focuses on the resolution by agreement of the parties first, and by the tribunal’s binding decisions if no agreement is reached.

LSLAP at 18:34, 12 August 2021

2021-08-12T18:34:28Z

LSLAP at 21:29, 6 August 2021

2021-08-06T21:29:41Z

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 11 October 2026
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	== A. Vancouver (Robson Square) and Richmond Small Claims ==		== A. Vancouver (Robson Square) and Richmond Small Claims ==

	=== 1. Claims of $5,001-$10,000 ===		=== 1. Claims of $5,001 - $10,000 ===

	Where the claim and counterclaim, if any, are each $5,001 – $10,000 (not including interest or expenses) and are not for either personal injury or financial debt, a simplified trial will be scheduled pursuant to Rule 9.1 of the ''SCR''. The trial is conducted without complying with formal rules of procedure and evidence, but if the adjudicator (meaning a judge or a justice of the peace) deems it appropriate, the adjudicator may conduct the trial with a formal examination and cross-examination of parties and witnesses.		Where the claim and counterclaim, if any, are each $5,001 – $10,000 (not including interest or expenses) and are not for either personal injury or financial debt, a simplified trial will be scheduled pursuant to Rule 9.1 of the ''SCR''. The trial is conducted without complying with formal rules of procedure and evidence, but if the adjudicator (meaning a judge or a justice of the peace) deems it appropriate, the adjudicator may conduct the trial with a formal examination and cross-examination of parties and witnesses.
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	Before the trial begins, an adjudicator will (a) review the documents filed by the parties; (b) determine whether the parties are able to settle the matter; and (c) if the parties are able to settle the matter, make a payment order or other appropriate order in the terms agreed to by the parties (''SCR'', Rule 9.1(21)).		Before the trial begins, an adjudicator will (a) review the documents filed by the parties; (b) determine whether the parties are able to settle the matter; and (c) if the parties are able to settle the matter, make a payment order or other appropriate order in the terms agreed to by the parties (''SCR'', Rule 9.1(21)).

	Except for the trial, no other court appearances are typically required. The trial will be held for one hour before an adjudicator. To learn who decides the case and how long it takes, visit ~~http~~://~~www.~~smallclaimsbc.ca/trial~~/simplified~~-~~trial~~.		Except for the trial, no other court appearances are typically required. The trial will be held for one hour before an adjudicator. To learn who decides the case and how long it takes, visit https://smallclaimsbc.ca/court-process/trial-process.

	=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===		=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===

	Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third-party notice exceeds $10,000 may initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.		Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.

	=== 3. Claims for Financial Debt ===		=== 3. Claims for Financial Debt ===

	If the claimant or counterclaimant is in the business of lending money or extending credit and is suing for a debt that arises from a loan or the extension of credit, a summary trial will be scheduled pursuant to Rule 9.2 of the ''SCR''; except for the trial, no other court appearances are typically required. The trial will be held before a judge and usually takes fewer than 30 minutes to complete.		If the claimant or counterclaimant '''is in the business''' of lending money or extending credit and is suing for a debt that arises from a loan or the extension of credit, a summary trial will be scheduled pursuant to Rule 9.2 of the ''SCR''; except for the trial, no other court appearances are typically required. The trial will be held before a judge and usually takes fewer than 30 minutes to complete.

	== B. Surrey, North Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo ==		== B. Surrey, North Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo ==
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	=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===		=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===

	Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third-party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.		Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.

	== C. Other Registries ==		== C. Other Registries ==
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	If the claim does not proceed by way of Simplified Trials (Rule 9.1) or if the claim does not proceed by way of Summary Trial for Financial Debt, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed (''SCR'', Rule 7(2)(b)). If the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed, the registrar will set the claim for trial.		If the claim does not proceed by way of Simplified Trials (Rule 9.1) or if the claim does not proceed by way of Summary Trial for Financial Debt, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed (''SCR'', Rule 7(2)(b)). If the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed, the registrar will set the claim for trial.

	All parties must attend the settlement conference and must be prepared. If a settlement conference cannot be conducted properly because a party is not prepared for it, a judge may order that unprepared party to pay the reasonable expenses of the other parties (SCR, Rule 7(4), (5) & (6)). At a settlement conference, a judge may: (a) mediate any disputed issues; (b) decide on issues that do not require evidence; (c) make a payment order or other appropriate order in the terms agreed by the parties; (d) order that the claim is set for trial conference; (e) set at trial date if a trial is necessary; (f) order a party disclose documents and records; (g) if damage to property is involved in the dispute, order a party to permit a person chosen by another party to examine the property damage; (h) dismiss any claims; and (i) make any other orders (''SCR'', Rule 7(14)).		All parties must attend the settlement conference and must be prepared. If a settlement conference cannot be conducted properly because a party is not prepared for it, a judge may order that unprepared party to pay the reasonable expenses of the other parties (''SCR'', Rule 7(4), (5) & (6)). At a settlement conference, a judge may: (a) mediate any disputed issues; (b) decide on issues that do not require evidence; (c) make a payment order or other appropriate order in the terms agreed by the parties; (d) order that the claim be set for trial conference; (e) set at trial date if a trial is necessary; (f) order a party disclose documents and records; (g) if damage to property is involved in the dispute, order a party to permit a person chosen by another party to examine the property damage; (h) dismiss any claims; and (i) make any other orders (''SCR'', Rule 7(14)).

	The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10.		The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10.
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	== D. Civil Resolution Tribunal ($5,000 or less) ==		== D. Civil Resolution Tribunal ($5,000 or less) ==

	The ~~Civil Resolution Tribunal~~ is designed to facilitate dispute resolution in a way that is accessible, fast, economical, and flexible. It relies heavily on electronic communication tools. It focuses on ~~the~~ resolution by agreement of the parties first, and by the tribunal’s binding decisions if no agreement is reached.		The CRT is designed to facilitate dispute resolution in a way that is accessible, fast, economical and flexible. It relies heavily on electronic communication tools. It focuses on resolution by agreement of the parties first, and by the tribunal’s binding decisions if no agreement is reached.

	Adjudicators will decide most cases by reviewing the evidence and arguments submitted through the tribunal’s online tools. Tribunal members may have their staff request additional evidence via email; however, this is rare. The tribunal member may order a telephone, video, or face-to-face hearing if warranted by the circumstances. Again, this is rare, and if parties seek such a hearing, they should request it during their case management. The tribunal can determine all matters relating to the tribunal decision process and, if at any time before or during the tribunal decision process, the tribunal decides that a dispute requires further facilitation, it can refer the dispute back to facilitation, and suspend the tribunal decision process until a facilitator refers the dispute back to the tribunal decision process.		Adjudicators will decide most cases by reviewing the evidence and arguments submitted through the tribunal’s online tools. Tribunal members may have their staff request additional evidence via email; however, this is rare. The tribunal member may order a telephone, video or face-to-face hearing if warranted by the circumstances. Again, this is rare, and if parties seek such hearing, they should request it during their case management. The tribunal can determine all matters relating to the tribunal decision process and, if at any time before or during the tribunal decision process, the tribunal decides that a dispute requires further facilitation, it can refer the dispute back to facilitation, and suspend the tribunal decision process until a facilitator refers the dispute back to the tribunal decision process.

	The tribunal member also has the authority to refuse to resolve the dispute on the basis of jurisdiction, or for reasons outlined in section 11 of the ''Civil Resolution Tribunal Act''.		The tribunal member also has the authority to refuse to resolve the dispute on the basis of jurisdiction, or for reasons outlined in section 11 of the ''Civil Resolution Tribunal Act''.

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	* In-person trials scheduled on or after July 3rd, 2020, have resumed.		* In-person trials scheduled on or after July 3rd, 2020, have resumed.
	* Settlement conferences, trial conferences, and applications and payment hearings scheduled on or after July 3rd, 2020, are proceeding by audio or videoconference. As of May 25, 2021, the default for small claims trial conferences, settlement conferences, applications to a judge, and payment hearings, is by telephone or Teams audioconference or videoconference, unless a judge or judicial justice otherwise orders or directs. The default forms for small claims trials, including Rule 9.1 simplified trials and Rule 9.2 summary trials, and Rule 13 default hearings is in person, unless a judge otherwise orders or directs (Provincial Court of BC website at https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19). For details about virtual conference and hearing, visit https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19-Conferences.		* Settlement conferences, trial conferences, and applications and payment hearings scheduled on or after July 3rd, 2020, are proceeding by audio or videoconference. As of May 25, 2021, the default for small claims trial conferences, settlement conferences, applications to a judge, and payment hearings, is by telephone or Teams audioconference or videoconference, unless a judge or judicial justice otherwise orders or directs. The default forms for small claims trials, including Rule 9.1 simplified trials and Rule 9.2 summary trials, and Rule 13 default hearings is in person unless a judge otherwise orders or directs (Provincial Court of BC website at https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19). For details about virtual conference and hearing, visit https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19-Conferences.

	Because of the fluid public health situation, the functioning of small claims proceedings is subject to ongoing change. For the latest updates, we recommend you contact the court registry or visit:https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19.		Because of the fluid public health situation, the functioning of small claims proceedings is subject to ongoing change. For the latest updates, we recommend you contact the court registry or visit:https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/COVID19.
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	=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===		=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===

	Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third party notice exceeds $10,000 may initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.		Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third-party notice exceeds $10,000 may initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.

	=== 3. Claims for Financial Debt ===		=== 3. Claims for Financial Debt ===
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	=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===		=== 2. Claims Exceeding $10,000 ===

	Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.		Any party to a proceeding where the amount of a claim, counterclaim, or third-party notice exceeds $10,000 '''may''' initiate Rule 7.3 of the ''SCR'' which is mediation. Following mediation or if mediation is not initiated, a settlement conference will be scheduled unless the claim relates to a motor vehicle accident where only liability for property damage is disputed. The final step is a trial pursuant to Rule 10 of the ''SCR''.

	== D. Other Registries ==		== D. Other Registries ==
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	== E. Civil Resolution Tribunal ($5,000 or less) ==		== E. Civil Resolution Tribunal ($5,000 or less) ==

	The Civil Resolution Tribunal is designed to facilitate dispute resolution in a way that is accessible, fast, economical and flexible. It relies heavily on electronic communication tools. It focuses on resolution by agreement of the parties first, and by the tribunal’s binding decisions if no agreement is reached.		The Civil Resolution Tribunal is designed to facilitate dispute resolution in a way that is accessible, fast, economical, and flexible. It relies heavily on electronic communication tools. It focuses on the resolution by agreement of the parties first, and by the tribunal’s binding decisions if no agreement is reached.

	Adjudicators will decide most cases by reviewing the evidence and arguments submitted through the tribunal’s online tools. Tribunal members may have their staff request additional evidence via email; however, this is rare. The tribunal member may order a telephone, video or face-to-face hearing if warranted by the circumstances. Again, this is rare, and if parties seek such a hearing, they should request it during their case management. The tribunal can determine all matters relating to the tribunal decision process and, if at any time before or during the tribunal decision process, the tribunal decides that a dispute requires further facilitation, it can refer the dispute back to facilitation, and suspend the tribunal decision process until a facilitator refers the dispute back to the tribunal decision process.		Adjudicators will decide most cases by reviewing the evidence and arguments submitted through the tribunal’s online tools. Tribunal members may have their staff request additional evidence via email; however, this is rare. The tribunal member may order a telephone, video, or face-to-face hearing if warranted by the circumstances. Again, this is rare, and if parties seek such a hearing, they should request it during their case management. The tribunal can determine all matters relating to the tribunal decision process and, if at any time before or during the tribunal decision process, the tribunal decides that a dispute requires further facilitation, it can refer the dispute back to facilitation, and suspend the tribunal decision process until a facilitator refers the dispute back to the tribunal decision process.

	The tribunal member also has the authority to refuse to resolve the dispute on the basis of jurisdiction, or for reasons outlined in section 11 of the ''Civil Resolution Tribunal Act''.		The tribunal member also has the authority to refuse to resolve the dispute on the basis of jurisdiction, or for reasons outlined in section 11 of the ''Civil Resolution Tribunal Act''.

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