Small claims pilot at Robson Square and Richmond courthouses
Last updated on September 20, 2024Small claims processes in B.C. have changed.
As of June 1, 2017, the Civil Resolution Tribunal began resolving most small claims up to $5,000. The monetary jurisdiction for small claims cases in Provincial Court has been increased to $35,000 and simplified trials at Richmond and Robson Square now include cases up to $10,000. Visit the Provincial Court of B.C. website and the Civil Resolution Tribunal website to learn more about these changes. Find information about the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act.
A pilot is underway at Robson Square and Richmond courthouses that uses a different process for settling small claims court actions that are $10,000 or less.
The process is called a simplified trial, which is a one-hour streamlined trial before an experienced lawyer who is a justice of the peace (also called an adjudicator).
There are a couple minor differences between Robson Square and Richmond simplified trials:
- Robson Square does not use simplified trials for financial debt claims or personal injury claims
- Richmond courthouse does not use simplified trials for personal injury claims.
Hours of operation
Robson Square holds simplified trials (excluding those mentioned above) in the evening, while Richmond courthouse schedules them during business hours.
A series of guides have been developed that may be helpful if you are pursuing, or involved in, a small claims court action. Read the guides.
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Get answers to specific problems or questions – review the small claims court rules or seek legal advice.