Going to Trial in Small Claims Court: Difference between revisions

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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = smallclaims}}
{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = smallclaims}}
This script explains how to prepare for a trial in small claims court.


This script discusses preparing for and attending your trial in Small Claims Court. Small Claims Court deals with claims of up to $25,000. Most trials in the Small Claims Court follow the same set of rules except that in Vancouver, if the claim is for financial debt, the trial will be a “summary trial” and also in Vancouver and Richmond, if the claim is for less than $5,000 and does not involve personal injuries, the trial will be a ‘simplified trial’. The procedures for each of these types of trials will be discussed near the end of this script.
==Before you sue—try to settle the case==
This script explains how to sue in small claims court. But before you sue, try to settle the case without going to court. That can save you a lot of time and money. The [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ small claims website] starts with this suggestion and explains [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/settlement-options/overview settlement options]. They include using demand letters, [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/settlement-options/ODR online dispute resolution], [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/settlement-options/mediation mediation], arbitration, collection agencies, negotiation, and payment terms.
 
==New process started June 1, 2017==
As of June 1, 2017, the government made [http://provincialcourt.bc.ca/enews/enews-20-03-2017 important changes to small claims court]. Now, where you sue depends on the amount you seek:
 
*Claims up to $5,000 go to the [https://civilresolutionbc.ca/how-the-crt-works/getting-started/small-claims-solution-explorer/ Civil Resolution Tribunal]
*Claims from $5,001 to $35,000 go to small claims court—'''this script covers this topic'''
*Claims over $35,000 go to [http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/supreme_court/ BC supreme court]. More information on these claims is also available on the [http://www.supremecourtbc.ca/civil site for people who represent themselves] in supreme court.


==Before the trial==
==Before the trial==
There are three procedures that you may need to deal with before the trial. These procedures are mediation, settlement conferences, and trial conferences. Sometimes these processes are mandatory and sometimes they are optional. This script will describe each process in turn.
You may need to deal with three procedures before trial: '''mediation''', ''''settlement conference''', and '''trial conference'''. Sometimes they are mandatory, and other times, optional.
 
===1. Mediation===
[http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/settlement-options/mediation Mediation] is a process that involves a mediator (a neutral third-party) listening to all parties and trying to help them resolve the dispute. Unlike a judge, a mediator cannot decide the case,
 
Mediation is usually optional. But if one party asks for mediation (by filing a notice to mediate) the other party must use it. The parties share the cost of mediation. It’s often faster and cheaper than suing. It’s available only for claims over $10,000.


==Mediation==
Small claims [http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/261_93_02#rule7.3 rule 7.3] deals with mediation. Script 165 and this provincial government [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/info/guides/mediation_between.htm website] both have more on mediation.
Mediation is a process that involves having a mediator (a neutral third party) listen to all parties and attempt to persuade the parties to resolve the dispute. The mediator does not have the power to make a decision like a judge, but will encourage dialogue and keep the meeting respectful and fair.


Mediation is mandatory in some cases. In other cases, the parties can decide that a mediation should be conducted.
Mediation is an option in all locations, but it’s not always available. For example, it’s not available for cases that can be dealt with under [http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/261_93_02#rule9.2 rule 9.2] (a summary trial for financial debt in Vancouver).


In Vancouver, most claims for more than $5,000 and all personal injury cases must be mediated before trial. In all other court locations, mediation is available for claims over $10,000, but is optional. However, if one of the parties chooses to file a Notice to Mediate, the other party must attend that mediation.
Mediation is mandatory only if one party files a notice to mediate or the court orders the parties to use it.


You don’t have to pay for the mediator if the mediation is held under the Court Mediation Program for claims up to $10,000. Otherwise, the expense of the mediator is shared between the parties.
===2. Settlement conference===
Before a trial, most cases have a settlement conference. Unless your case is in Vancouver, all parties to the claim must attend a settlement conference before trial. There may be an exception if your claim is related to a motor vehicle accident. A judge also attends the settlement conference, but this judge isn’t necessarily the same judge who will hold the trial, if the case goes that far. The purpose of the settlement conference is to resolve or settle some or all the case, and if settlement isn’t possible, to help you prepare for trial. The judge will not make a final decision or settle the case for you. They will guide the discussion, focusing on the important legal issues of the case. You can get a final order if you and the other party agree to settle the case.


More information about mediations in Small Claims Court is available on the Small Claims Court website at [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims]. Select “Processes”, and then from the left-hand menu either “Mediation Program for Claims Up to $10,000”, or “Mediation for Claims between $10,000 and $25,000”.
If your claim is for personal injuries, within 6 months of filing the claim and before the settlement conference is scheduled, you must file and deliver to the defendant a certificate of readiness attaching all medical reports and records of expenses you plan to use at the trial to prove your case.


==Settlement Conference==
===What happens at the settlement conference?===
You must bring all the documents and reports you plan to use at trial to prove your case. If you are having trouble getting copies of the other side’s documents, the judge can order that copies of these documents be exchanged. The judge will discuss the claim with you and see if the claim can be settled. If it cannot, the judge can make orders about collecting and presenting evidence needed for the trial. The judge can also dismiss the claim if it is baseless or vexatious (done only to harm or annoy the other side). 


==Before a trial, most cases have a “settlement conference”==
===3. Trial conference===
The next process you should know about is the settlement conference. Unless your case is in Vancouver, all parties to the claim must attend a settlement conference prior to trial. There may be an exception if your claim is related to a motor vehicle accident.  A judge also attends the settlement conference, but this judge isn’t necessarily the same judge who will preside over the trial, if the case goes that far. The purpose of the settlement conference is to try to resolve or “settle” some or all of the issues between you, and if settlement isn’t possible, to help you prepare your case for trial. Importantly, the attending judge will not make a ruling on the matter. He or she will guide the dialogue of the conference, specifically targeting the important legal issues of the case in hopes of resolving the matter prior to trial.  
A trial conference applies only to Vancouver cases. A judge will decide how much time a trial will take and make orders about evidence and other matters. You will have to complete a trial statement summarizing your case and file it with the court at least 14 days before the conference.


If your claim is for personal injuries, within 6 months of filing the claim and before the settlement conference is scheduled, you must file and deliver to the defendant a certificate of readiness attaching all medical reports and records of expenses you intend to use at the trial to prove your side of the case.
==Written offer of settlement==
You should consider making a written offer of settlement before trial. Within 30 days after a mediation, settlement conference, or trial conference (whichever occurs first, but before the trial) you can file a written offer of settlement with the court registry, then give it to the other side. The other side will have 28 days to accept your offer. If they do not accept it, and the outcome at trial is like your offer, the judge can order them to pay a penalty of up to 20% of what you offered.


==What happens at the settlement conference?==
==If you go to trial==
You must bring all the documents and reports you plan to use at trial to prove your side of the case. If you are having trouble getting copies of the other side’s documents, the judge can order that copies of these documents be exchanged. The judge will discuss the claim with you and see if the claim can be settled. If it cannot, the judge can make orders concerning the collection and presentation of evidence needed for the trial. The judge can also dismiss the claim if he or she thinks it is baseless or vexatious (meaning intended only to cause harm or annoyance).
Some trials in Vancouver and Richmond use different processes.


==Trial conference==
*'''Simplified trial in Vancouver and Richmond'''
The third pre-trial process only applies if your case is commenced in Vancouver. This is the trial conference, where a judge will determine the amount of time needed for trial, make orders concerning evidence and other matters. You will have to complete a Trial Statement summarizing your case and file it with the Court at least 14 days before the conference.
:In Vancouver and Richmond, claims between $5,001 and $10,000 go to a [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/trial/simplified-trial simplified, one-hour trial] before an experienced lawyer who is a justice of the peace (called an adjudicator). There is no pre-trial settlement conference. Claims under $5001 can also go to a simplified trial if the Civil Resolution Tribunal cannot hear the case. But simplified trials are not used for personal injury claims or financial debt claims.
Before the trial, each party must prepare and file a trial statement summarizing their case. The trial statement must be filed with the court registry at least 14 days before the simplified trial and you must give the other party a copy at least 7 days before the simplified trial. At a simplified trial, the parties and witnesses give oral (spoken) evidence and can present documents.


==Written offer of settlement==
*'''Summary trial in Vancouver'''
One final item you should consider before going to trial is a written offer of settlement. Within 30 days after a mediation, settlement conference, or trial conference (whichever occurs first, but before the trial) you may file a written offer of settlement with the Small Claims Court, then present it to the other side. “Filing” means dropping a document off with the registry, who keep a copy of it for the court records. The opposing party will have 28 days to accept your offer. If they do not accept the offer and the outcome at trial is similar to your offer, the judge can order them to pay an additional penalty of up to 20% of what you initially offered.
Vancouver uses a [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/trial/summary-trial summary trial] for all financial debt claims (money loans and credit-card debt) between $5,001 and $35,000. These trials are usually fast: less than 30 minutes. They use less formal rules of procedure and evidence. If you have documents to support your claim, you must file them with the court registry at least 14 days before the summary trial and give a copy to the other party at least 7 days before. At a summary trial, the parties can give evidence and call witnesses but the trial is supposed to last only 30 minutes or less.
 
==What you must do in court==
Often, you will be the main witness for your case in court, but not always. You will want to think about what other witnesses, expert witnesses, and reports you will need to support your case.
 
Small claims court cases are decided on a balance of probabilities. You must convince the judge that your version of the events is more likely than not and more likely than the other side’s version. You need evidence to do that—including physical evidence, such as invoices and contracts, or evidence given by a witness, called testimony. When a witness speaks in court they are testifying.
 
==Ordinary witnesses==
Witnesses can testify about facts they know about. For example, they can testify about what they saw. But they cannot talk about what they heard one person say to another—this is hearsay evidence. It is not allowed to prove the truth of those statements, except in rare cases. Witnesses must tell only the facts that they saw and heard directly.
 
==Expert witnesses and expert reports==
Expert witnesses are the only people who can give evidence about an opinion. If you intend to have an expert testify at trial—such as a doctor for a personal injury claim—you must give the other party a summary of the expert’s evidence at least 30 days before the expert testifies. If you want to use only a letter or written report from an expert, you must give the other side a copy of that report, together with a statement of the expert’s qualifications, at least 30 days before the trial. Then, if the other side wants to cross examine the expert (ask questions at trial to challenge the expert’s testimony), they must let you know at least 14 days before the trial, and your expert must attend the trial in person. 
 
Repair estimates and estimates of the value of property aren’t expert evidence. But you must still give copies to the other party at least 14 days before trial.


==What if you have to go to trial?==  
==You must arrange for your witnesses to attend the trial==
Often, you will be the main witness for your case in Small Claims Court, but not necessarily. You will want to think about what other witnesses and what expert witnesses and/or reports you will need to support your case.  
If a witness refuses to come to the trial or you’re not sure they’ll come, you can file a form called a summons to witness, available on the [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ small claims website] and at the court registry. The form tells you how to deliver the summons to the witness, who must receive the summons at least 7 days before trial.


==What do I have to prove to win?==
==You must pay the fees and expenses of your witnesses==
Small Claims Court is determined on a “balance of probabilities”. This means that you will need to convince the Judge that your version of the events is more probable (meaning believable) than the version of the opposing party. Evidence—including physical evidence, such as invoices and contracts, or evidence given by a witness, known as testimony—will help your case enormously, being necessary in most situations. The act of giving testimony is known as “testifying”, and it answering questions in front of the court.
You must offer to pay reasonable travel expenses for your witnesses to attend trial. You will also have to pay fees and expenses for your expert witness. You should figure out how much they will be before deciding whether you need the expert at trial. Some experts, especially professionals like doctors and engineers, can charge a lot. You may be able to cut expenses by giving the expert’s written opinion to the other party well before trial. But if the other party wants to question your expert, the expert will have to come to the trial.


==Ordinary witnesses can testify about facts that they personally know about==
==Presenting your case to the judge==
For example, they can testify about what they saw. However, they cannot talk about what they heard one person say to another—this type of testimony is considered “hearsay evidence” and isn’t allowed to prove the truth of those statements, except for in rare circumstances.
Small claims court does not follow the strict rules of evidence used in supreme court. The judge will decide what rules and procedures to follow. This makes small claims court better for the public. But everyone who testifies will have to swear an oath or affirm to tell the truth. And you must also have all the documents you plan to use to prove your case and all your witnesses at the trial. Bring the original version of any documents, plus at least two copies.


==What about expert witnesses and expert reports?==
==If you’re the claimant==
Expert witnesses are the only witnesses who can give evidence about an opinion. If you intend to have an expert testify at the trial—such as a doctor for a personal injury claim—you must give the other party a summary of the expert’s evidence at least 30 days before the expert testifies. If you only want to use a letter or written report from an expert, you must give the other side a copy of that report, together with a statement of the expert’s qualifications, at least 30 days before the trial. Then if the other side wants to “cross-examine” (meaning ask that expert questions at trial to challenge the expert’s testimony), they must let you know at least 14 days before the trial, and your expert must attend the trial in person.  
The claimant speaks first. You may start with an '''opening statement''', telling the judge briefly what your case is about. After, you can give your evidence to the court. Tell your story chronologically (in the order things happened) and provide any documents that help prove your case. After, the defendant can cross examine (question) you on what you said. Their goal is to expose inconsistencies or other weaknesses in your story. Be sure your testimony is honest and accurate.


Repair estimates and estimates of the value of property aren’t considered expert evidence. However, copies must still be given to the opposing party at least 14 days before the trial.  
You will then call your other witnesses and question them, allowing them to give their evidence to support your claim. You should ask open-ended questions like “What colour was the traffic light?” You can’t ask your own witnesses leading questions. A '''leading question''' suggests the answer you want the witness to give. For example, “the light was red, wasn’t it?” is a leading question. The defendant can then cross examine your witnesses.


==You must make the arrangements for your witnesses to attend the trial==
==If you’re the defendant==
If a witness refuses to come voluntarily or you’re not sure they’ll attend, you can file a form called a Summons to Witness, available at your courthouse’s Small Claims Court registry. You can also download this form from the Small Claims Court website. The form tells you how to deliver the summons to the witness, who must receive the summons at least seven days before the trial.  
You should make written notes while the claimant testifies. When the claimant has finished, you can '''cross examine''' them. Your goal will be to get the claimant to admit things that help your case, or to weaken their testimony by showing that they have a poor memory, or they are mistaken, or lying. Don’t expect the claimant to admit that they are exaggerating or lying—but it’s important that you put your version to them fully and fairly. You can ask leading questions (explained in the preceding paragraph) when you cross examine the claimant and their witnesses.


==Expect to pay your witness’ fees and expenses==
After the claimant and their witnesses have finished, you can tell your side of the story and call your own witnesses to testify. The claimant may then cross examine you and your witnesses. The judge often asks questions as well.
You must offer to pay a witness’ reasonable travel expenses to attend trial. You should also expect to pay your expert witness’ fees and expenses—you’ll want to determine that in advance before deciding whether or not you require the expert’s attendance at trial, as some experts, especially professionals like doctors and engineers, can charge significant fees. You may be able to avoid the expense of having your expert personally testify at the trial by providing the expert’s opinion in writing to the opposing party well before trial, but if the opposing party wants to question your expert, you’ll have to produce your expert in person.


==Once the trial begins, how do you present your case to the judge?==
==After the evidence is presented==
In Small Claims Court, you don’t have to follow the strict rules of evidence followed in Supreme Court, and the judge will decide what rules or procedures to follow. This makes Small Claims Court more accessible to the general public. However, everyone who testifies will have to swear an oath or affirm to tell the truth. You will also be expected to have all of the documents you intend to use to prove your case and all of your witnesses present at the trial. Remember to bring the original versions of any documents you intend to use, along with at least two copies.  
When all the evidence has been presented, the claimant and defendant usually get a final chance to tell the judge why they should win. Be ready to summarize your strongest points to the court.


==How do you proceed if you’re the claimant?==
==The judgment (decision)==
As the claimant, you will speak first. You may want to begin with an “opening statement” telling the judge briefly what your case is about. After, you can give your evidence to the court. You’ll tell your story chronologically and produce any documents that help proving your case on a balance of probabilities. After, the defendant has a chance to cross-examine (meaning question) you on what you’ve said. The purpose of this is to expose inconsistencies or other weaknesses in your story. Be sure that your testimony is both truthful and accurate.  
Usually, the judge decides the case after listening to both parties and the witnesses and reviewing the documents. Sometimes, the judge will postpone the decision until later.


You will then call your other witnesses and question them, allowing them to give their evidence to support your claim. You should ask open-ended questions like “What colour was the traffic light?” Leading questions are prohibited when examining your own witnesses. A leading question is one that suggests the desired answer to the witness, such as “the light was red, wasn’t it?” The defendant is then allowed to cross-examine your witnesses.
If the judge decides the claimant has proven their case on a balance of probabilities, the defendant will have to pay the full amount of the claim. If the judge decides that the defendant’s evidence is more convincing, then the defendant will not have to pay the claim. The losing party must usually pay the winning party costs for things such as filing fees, delivering documents, and witness costs. If the judge thinks that a party started or defended a claim without a reasonable chance of succeeding, they can order the losing party to pay a penalty of 10% of the claim value. The judge can order the losing party to pay immediately, or over time.


==How do you proceed if you’re the defendant?==
==Can you appeal a small claims court judgment?==
You should make written notes while the claimant is testifying. When the claimant has finished, you’ll get to cross-examine them. Your objective will be to get the claimant to admit things that help your case, or to weaken the claimant’s testimony by showing that the claimant has a poor memory, is mistaken, or is lying. Don’t expect the claimant to admit that they are exaggerating or lying—what matters is that you have put your version to them fully and fairly.
Yes, you can appeal a small claims court judgment to the BC supreme court, but the appeal must be started within 40 days after the small claims court order was made. If you are late filing the notice of appeal, you can apply to the supreme court to extend the time, but there’s no guarantee that you will get it.


After the claimant and the claimant’s witnesses have finished, you will be able to tell your side of the story and call your own witnesses to testify. The claimant may then cross-examine you and your witnesses. The judge often asks questions as well, so be prepared for this.
The appeal is not a new trial and the supreme court judge will decide only if the small claims court judge made a mistake about the facts or the law.


==What happens after the evidence is presented?==
The small claims website explains [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/judgment/appealing-a-small-claims-decision how to appeal] and the process and cost involved.
When all of the evidence is finished, the claimant and defendant are usually allowed a final opportunity to tell the judge why he or she should decide the case in their favour. Be prepared to summarize what you believe are the strongest points of your case and repeat them to the court.  


==How does judgement proceed?==
If you want to appeal a small claims court judgment, you should consult a lawyer right away.
In most cases, after listening to both parties and the witnesses and reviewing the documents, the judge will make a decision and tell you what it is.  Sometimes however, the judge will postpone telling you his or her decision to a later date.


If the judge decides the claimant has proven his or her claims on a balance of probabilities, the defendant will have to pay the full amount of the claimant’s claim. If the judge decides that the defendant’s evidence is more convincing, then the defendant will not have to pay the claim amount. Further, the losing party usually has to pay the winning party costs for things such as filing fees, delivering documents and witness costs. In circumstances where the judge thinks that a party started or defended a claim without a reasonable prospect of success, they can order that the losing party pay a penalty amounting to 10% of the claim value. The amount the judge orders the losing party to pay may be due immediately, or the judge can make a payment order setting out a payment schedule.
==More information==
*Check the [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ small claims website] and the [http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/types-of-cases/small-claims-matters provincial court website]. Also, the BC government has guides on [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/small-claims/how-to-guides/making-a-claim making a claim], [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/info/guides/reply.htm replying to a claim], [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/info/guides/serving.htm serving documents], [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/info/guides/getting_ready.htm getting ready for court], and [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/info/guides/getting_results.htm getting results].


==There is a simplified trial process for Vancouver and Richmond==
*Check the other Dial-A-Law scripts in this [http://cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law/Scripts/Small-Claims-Court small claims court series].
In Richmond and Vancouver, if the claim is not for personal injury or a debt claim by a financial institution and is for less than $5,000, a simplified trial will be scheduled that will last one hour. Before the trial, each party will have to prepare and file a Trial Statement summarizing your case. The Trial Statement must be filed with the Court Registry at least 14 days before the simplified trial and you must give the other party a copy at least 7 days before the simplified trial.  At a simplified trial, the parties and witnesses will give oral evidence and documents can be presented. The trial may be conducted by either a judge or an adjudicator appointed by the Court.


==Vancouver Summary Trial==
In Vancouver, a claim for a financial debt will be heard as a summary trial. If you have documents to support your claim, you must file them with the Court Registry at least 14 days before the summary trial and give a copy to the other party at least 7 days before.  At a summary trial, the parties can give evidence and call witnesses but the trial is expected to last only 30 minutes.


==Where can you get more information?==
*Talk to the Small Claims Court staff.
*Read one of the Small Claims Court guides available at the registry and on the Small Claims Court website at [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/ www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/small_claims/].


[updated August 2017]


[updated November 2015]
'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Anna Kurt and edited by John Blois.'''


'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Jack Montpellier.'''
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Revision as of 21:59, 18 August 2017

This script explains how to prepare for a trial in small claims court.

Before you sue—try to settle the case

This script explains how to sue in small claims court. But before you sue, try to settle the case without going to court. That can save you a lot of time and money. The small claims website starts with this suggestion and explains settlement options. They include using demand letters, online dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, collection agencies, negotiation, and payment terms.

New process started June 1, 2017

As of June 1, 2017, the government made important changes to small claims court. Now, where you sue depends on the amount you seek:

Before the trial

You may need to deal with three procedures before trial: mediation, 'settlement conference, and trial conference. Sometimes they are mandatory, and other times, optional.

1. Mediation

Mediation is a process that involves a mediator (a neutral third-party) listening to all parties and trying to help them resolve the dispute. Unlike a judge, a mediator cannot decide the case,

Mediation is usually optional. But if one party asks for mediation (by filing a notice to mediate) the other party must use it. The parties share the cost of mediation. It’s often faster and cheaper than suing. It’s available only for claims over $10,000.

Small claims rule 7.3 deals with mediation. Script 165 and this provincial government website both have more on mediation.

Mediation is an option in all locations, but it’s not always available. For example, it’s not available for cases that can be dealt with under rule 9.2 (a summary trial for financial debt in Vancouver).

Mediation is mandatory only if one party files a notice to mediate or the court orders the parties to use it.

2. Settlement conference

Before a trial, most cases have a settlement conference. Unless your case is in Vancouver, all parties to the claim must attend a settlement conference before trial. There may be an exception if your claim is related to a motor vehicle accident. A judge also attends the settlement conference, but this judge isn’t necessarily the same judge who will hold the trial, if the case goes that far. The purpose of the settlement conference is to resolve or settle some or all the case, and if settlement isn’t possible, to help you prepare for trial. The judge will not make a final decision or settle the case for you. They will guide the discussion, focusing on the important legal issues of the case. You can get a final order if you and the other party agree to settle the case.

If your claim is for personal injuries, within 6 months of filing the claim and before the settlement conference is scheduled, you must file and deliver to the defendant a certificate of readiness attaching all medical reports and records of expenses you plan to use at the trial to prove your case.

What happens at the settlement conference?

You must bring all the documents and reports you plan to use at trial to prove your case. If you are having trouble getting copies of the other side’s documents, the judge can order that copies of these documents be exchanged. The judge will discuss the claim with you and see if the claim can be settled. If it cannot, the judge can make orders about collecting and presenting evidence needed for the trial. The judge can also dismiss the claim if it is baseless or vexatious (done only to harm or annoy the other side).

3. Trial conference

A trial conference applies only to Vancouver cases. A judge will decide how much time a trial will take and make orders about evidence and other matters. You will have to complete a trial statement summarizing your case and file it with the court at least 14 days before the conference.

Written offer of settlement

You should consider making a written offer of settlement before trial. Within 30 days after a mediation, settlement conference, or trial conference (whichever occurs first, but before the trial) you can file a written offer of settlement with the court registry, then give it to the other side. The other side will have 28 days to accept your offer. If they do not accept it, and the outcome at trial is like your offer, the judge can order them to pay a penalty of up to 20% of what you offered.

If you go to trial

Some trials in Vancouver and Richmond use different processes.

  • Simplified trial in Vancouver and Richmond
In Vancouver and Richmond, claims between $5,001 and $10,000 go to a simplified, one-hour trial before an experienced lawyer who is a justice of the peace (called an adjudicator). There is no pre-trial settlement conference. Claims under $5001 can also go to a simplified trial if the Civil Resolution Tribunal cannot hear the case. But simplified trials are not used for personal injury claims or financial debt claims.

Before the trial, each party must prepare and file a trial statement summarizing their case. The trial statement must be filed with the court registry at least 14 days before the simplified trial and you must give the other party a copy at least 7 days before the simplified trial. At a simplified trial, the parties and witnesses give oral (spoken) evidence and can present documents.

  • Summary trial in Vancouver

Vancouver uses a summary trial for all financial debt claims (money loans and credit-card debt) between $5,001 and $35,000. These trials are usually fast: less than 30 minutes. They use less formal rules of procedure and evidence. If you have documents to support your claim, you must file them with the court registry at least 14 days before the summary trial and give a copy to the other party at least 7 days before. At a summary trial, the parties can give evidence and call witnesses but the trial is supposed to last only 30 minutes or less.

What you must do in court

Often, you will be the main witness for your case in court, but not always. You will want to think about what other witnesses, expert witnesses, and reports you will need to support your case.

Small claims court cases are decided on a balance of probabilities. You must convince the judge that your version of the events is more likely than not and more likely than the other side’s version. You need evidence to do that—including physical evidence, such as invoices and contracts, or evidence given by a witness, called testimony. When a witness speaks in court they are testifying.

Ordinary witnesses

Witnesses can testify about facts they know about. For example, they can testify about what they saw. But they cannot talk about what they heard one person say to another—this is hearsay evidence. It is not allowed to prove the truth of those statements, except in rare cases. Witnesses must tell only the facts that they saw and heard directly.

Expert witnesses and expert reports

Expert witnesses are the only people who can give evidence about an opinion. If you intend to have an expert testify at trial—such as a doctor for a personal injury claim—you must give the other party a summary of the expert’s evidence at least 30 days before the expert testifies. If you want to use only a letter or written report from an expert, you must give the other side a copy of that report, together with a statement of the expert’s qualifications, at least 30 days before the trial. Then, if the other side wants to cross examine the expert (ask questions at trial to challenge the expert’s testimony), they must let you know at least 14 days before the trial, and your expert must attend the trial in person.

Repair estimates and estimates of the value of property aren’t expert evidence. But you must still give copies to the other party at least 14 days before trial.

You must arrange for your witnesses to attend the trial

If a witness refuses to come to the trial or you’re not sure they’ll come, you can file a form called a summons to witness, available on the small claims website and at the court registry. The form tells you how to deliver the summons to the witness, who must receive the summons at least 7 days before trial.

You must pay the fees and expenses of your witnesses

You must offer to pay reasonable travel expenses for your witnesses to attend trial. You will also have to pay fees and expenses for your expert witness. You should figure out how much they will be before deciding whether you need the expert at trial. Some experts, especially professionals like doctors and engineers, can charge a lot. You may be able to cut expenses by giving the expert’s written opinion to the other party well before trial. But if the other party wants to question your expert, the expert will have to come to the trial.

Presenting your case to the judge

Small claims court does not follow the strict rules of evidence used in supreme court. The judge will decide what rules and procedures to follow. This makes small claims court better for the public. But everyone who testifies will have to swear an oath or affirm to tell the truth. And you must also have all the documents you plan to use to prove your case and all your witnesses at the trial. Bring the original version of any documents, plus at least two copies.

If you’re the claimant

The claimant speaks first. You may start with an opening statement, telling the judge briefly what your case is about. After, you can give your evidence to the court. Tell your story chronologically (in the order things happened) and provide any documents that help prove your case. After, the defendant can cross examine (question) you on what you said. Their goal is to expose inconsistencies or other weaknesses in your story. Be sure your testimony is honest and accurate.

You will then call your other witnesses and question them, allowing them to give their evidence to support your claim. You should ask open-ended questions like “What colour was the traffic light?” You can’t ask your own witnesses leading questions. A leading question suggests the answer you want the witness to give. For example, “the light was red, wasn’t it?” is a leading question. The defendant can then cross examine your witnesses.

If you’re the defendant

You should make written notes while the claimant testifies. When the claimant has finished, you can cross examine them. Your goal will be to get the claimant to admit things that help your case, or to weaken their testimony by showing that they have a poor memory, or they are mistaken, or lying. Don’t expect the claimant to admit that they are exaggerating or lying—but it’s important that you put your version to them fully and fairly. You can ask leading questions (explained in the preceding paragraph) when you cross examine the claimant and their witnesses.

After the claimant and their witnesses have finished, you can tell your side of the story and call your own witnesses to testify. The claimant may then cross examine you and your witnesses. The judge often asks questions as well.

After the evidence is presented

When all the evidence has been presented, the claimant and defendant usually get a final chance to tell the judge why they should win. Be ready to summarize your strongest points to the court.

The judgment (decision)

Usually, the judge decides the case after listening to both parties and the witnesses and reviewing the documents. Sometimes, the judge will postpone the decision until later.

If the judge decides the claimant has proven their case on a balance of probabilities, the defendant will have to pay the full amount of the claim. If the judge decides that the defendant’s evidence is more convincing, then the defendant will not have to pay the claim. The losing party must usually pay the winning party costs for things such as filing fees, delivering documents, and witness costs. If the judge thinks that a party started or defended a claim without a reasonable chance of succeeding, they can order the losing party to pay a penalty of 10% of the claim value. The judge can order the losing party to pay immediately, or over time.

Can you appeal a small claims court judgment?

Yes, you can appeal a small claims court judgment to the BC supreme court, but the appeal must be started within 40 days after the small claims court order was made. If you are late filing the notice of appeal, you can apply to the supreme court to extend the time, but there’s no guarantee that you will get it.

The appeal is not a new trial and the supreme court judge will decide only if the small claims court judge made a mistake about the facts or the law.

The small claims website explains how to appeal and the process and cost involved.

If you want to appeal a small claims court judgment, you should consult a lawyer right away.

More information


[updated August 2017]

The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Anna Kurt and edited by John Blois.



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