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Difference between revisions of "I Am Being Sued — What Should I Expect?"

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{{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}A lawsuit for loss or damages caused to another person or another person's property is known as a ''civil claim''. If you are being sued in a civil claim, you will receive court papers: a ''Notice of Claim'' if you are being sued in ''Small Claims Court'' or a ''Notice of Civil Claim'' if you are being sued in ''BC Supreme Court''. Different forms are used in family disputes.
{{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}A lawsuit for loss or damages caused to another person or another person's property is known as a ''civil claim''. If you are being sued in a civil claim, you will receive court papers: a Notice of Claim if you are being sued in Small Claims Court or a Notice of Civil Claim if you are being sued in BC Supreme Court. Different forms are used in family disputes.


Lawsuits in Small Claims Court are limited to claims of up to $25,000. There is no money limit to claims in BC Supreme Court.  
Lawsuits in Small Claims Court are limited to claims of up to $25,000. There is no money limit to claims in BC Supreme Court.  
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=== What happens next ===
=== What happens next ===
In Small Claims Court, you will receive a ''Notice of Settlement Conference''. A settlement conference is an opportunity for you and the claimant to meet with a judge to see if you can agree to resolve the claim. The judge at a settlement conference is only there to help the parties agree on a settlement. He or she cannot impose an agreement.
In Small Claims Court, you will receive a Notice of Settlement Conference. A settlement conference is an opportunity for you and the claimant to meet with a judge to see if you can agree to resolve the claim. The judge at a settlement conference is only there to help the parties agree on a settlement. He or she cannot impose an agreement.


If the settlement conference doesn't resolve the case, you will be given a ''Notice of Trial''. At trial, the claimant will present his or her case, and you will be given a chance to present your case. The trial judge will then decide who wins.
If the settlement conference doesn't resolve the case, you will be given a ''Notice of Trial''. At trial, the claimant will present his or her case, and you will be given a chance to present your case. The trial judge will then decide who wins.
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