Provincial Court Small Claims Handbook

Everything you need to know to work on a small claims file

This publication is essential for: anyone appearing in Small Claims Court or assisting a small claims CRT applicant

Current to: November 1, 2017

Success in Small Claims Provincial Court requires specialized knowledge and abilities. Provincial Court Small Claims Handbook guides you through all of the unique steps in Small Claims Court, from starting an action to enforcing an order. It also explains the small claims jurisdiction carved out for the Civil Resolution Tribunal. Designed to complement CLEBC's Small Claims Act and Rules—Annotated, this resource offers you quick access to important cases, practice points, and forms so you can effectively advocate for your client in court or help them understand the Civil Resolution Tribunal process.

With this resource, you will be able to:

• decide whether Small Claims Court is right for your client's issue
  
• access quickly important case law on procedure
  
• confidently prepare for and appear in Small Claims Court
  
• assist clients who will proceed before the Civil Resolution Tribunal

Buy today and be an effective small claims advocate! View a sample from this book!

Highlights of the 2018 Update include:

• discussion of supervision of designated paralegals as they are permitted to act

• discussion of recent notable case law including:

• holding that pleading the merits in the alternative and attending a settlement conference constitutes attornment
• holding that contractual interest is not an amount excluded from the court's monetary jurisdiction

• discussion of recent legislative developments including:

• termination procedures for specific Small Claims Rules 7.2 and 7.4 mediation programs and pilot projects; matters previously subject to Rules 7.2 and 7.4 now referred to settlement conferences or, if applicable, simplified or summary trial processes
  
  
• change in the Small Claims Court's monetary jurisdiction
  
  
• coming into force of the small claims jurisdiction of the Civil Resolution Tribunal

CLEBC Legal Editor
L. Joy Tataryn
jtataryn@cle.bc.ca