Difference between revisions of "Someone Owes You Money"

You can go to Small Claims Court if the debt someone owes you is for $25,000 or less. If the debtor owes you more than the $25,000 limit, for example $28,000, you can make a claim for $25,000 plus some contribution for your expenses.  

Small Claims Court is for people who do not have a lawyer. There are Small Claims Courts located throughout the province. To find out how to make a claim in Small Claims Court, go to Clicklaw, online at [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca]. Type "Small Claims" in the search box. The site links you to a video about Small Claims Court, available in Chinese, Punjabi, Vietnamese, and English, among other resources.

To collect more than $25,000, you have to go to BC’s Supreme Court. This is much more complicated and expensive than Small Claims Court. To find out how to make a claim in Supreme Court, go to [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca www.clicklaw.bc.ca] and type "Supreme Court" in the search box. If you are in the Lower Mainland, you may wish to visit the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1111 Vancouver Justice Access Centre] where staff can give you information about bringing a claim in Supreme Court.  

* '''Lawyer Referral Service''' is a program where you can get advice and information from a lawyer for a fee of $25 plus taxes for the first 30 minutes.To contact Lawyer Referral, call 604-687-3221 in Greater Vancouver or toll-free at 1-800-663-1919 from anywhere else in the province. More detailed information about the service is available on the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1044 Clicklaw HelpMap].

* '''Access Pro Bono''' is a program for people who cannot afford a lawyer and who cannot get legal aid. Access Pro Bono offers clinics across BC where experienced lawyers volunteer provide free legal advice. Call 604-878-7400 in Greater Vancouver or toll-free at 1-877-762-6664 from anywhere else in the province. More information is available on their website at [http://www.accessprobono.ca www.accessprobono.ca] or the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1040 Clicklaw HelpMap].