Define the dispute before choosing the process
Civil disputes can involve unpaid accounts, contracts, property, construction, negligence, business ownership, professional services, defamation and many other issues. Start by identifying the legal relationship, the remedy sought and the evidence that supports each important fact.
Limitation periods can end a claim
Legal rights can be lost if a proceeding is not started within the applicable limitation period. The correct deadline depends on the claim and facts, and special rules can apply. If a deadline may be approaching, obtain legal advice promptly rather than relying on informal negotiations to preserve a claim.
CRT, Small Claims or Supreme Court?
Forum selection matters. The Civil Resolution Tribunal generally handles many small claims up to $5,000 and certain specialized disputes. Provincial Court Small Claims handles many civil disputes from $5,001 to $35,000. B.C. Supreme Court generally hears civil claims valued above $35,000 and matters within its broader jurisdiction. Exceptions exist, so use our B.C. court and tribunal guide and verify the current rules before filing.
The Provincial Court confirms that Small Claims Court can hear many civil disputes from $5,001 to $35,000. Provincial Court Small Claims provides current process information.
Preserve evidence early
Documents are often more valuable than memories formed months later. Preserve contracts, invoices, photographs, messages, emails, notices, inspection reports and payment records. Keep original files where possible. If the dispute involves a physical condition that may change, consider how it can be documented properly.
Demand letters and settlement
A demand letter can clarify the legal position and proposed resolution, but it should be grounded in evidence and the governing agreement. Settlement can occur before or after a proceeding begins. A rational settlement decision compares the likely outcome, legal costs, time, collectability, business disruption and uncertainty of trial.
Starting and defending a claim
Court and tribunal documents have service, response and filing requirements. Ignoring a claim can create default consequences. Starting a claim without understanding jurisdiction or remedies can waste filing fees and time. Procedure should follow the substance of the dispute, not the other way around.
What to bring to a litigation consultation
- The governing contract and amendments.
- A chronological timeline with key dates.
- Correspondence and notices exchanged between the parties.
- Invoices, payment records and calculations of loss.
- Any claim, response or tribunal documents already filed.
- Your preferred outcome and realistic settlement range.
Business and property disputes
If the dispute arises from corporate ownership or a commercial agreement, see our business-law guide. For title, conveyancing or failed-purchase issues, see real-estate law.
Some disputes follow specialized processes. Our Burnaby strata dispute guide explains the CRT's role, while the shareholder dispute guide covers common company-owner conflicts.
Strata and business disputes
Breach of contract · Debt collection · Wrongful dismissal