Nowadays, courts are becoming more and more specialized to cater to particular cases and budgets. One of the possible courts to consider is the small claims court! If you have claims with relatively less value and if your budget is not enough for a full filing on the court of justice, then you might want to check this out.
One would ask, what is the limit for Canada claims court? The limit for small courts in Canada is $ 35,000. What are expected small court claims costs in Canada? The expected small claims court in Canada costs are $601.
This article will talk about small claims courts in UK and Canada. The cost consists of several fees, and we will discuss these in detail later. Moreover, the estimated time to resolve cases in small claims court in the UK and Canada can take up to six weeks if hearings are required.
Since taking your disputes to court is no simple matter, this article will also equip you with important considerations to know! So, it would be best to read on and learn more about small claims courts.
You may be interested to read more about Small Claims Court in the USA: Facts You Need To Know Before Filing and Canada’s First ODR: The CRT and Its evolution and Online Dispute Resolution and Blockchain Technology: What Do We Know?,
Small Claims Court In UK And Canada: An Overview
Small claims courts are a separate branch of the Superior Court of Justice. The Superior Court of Justice is considered the busiest and largest trial court that functions in Canada. They deal with all sorts of cases such as administrative, criminal, and family trials.
The small claims court, in contrast, mainly handles civil or private disputes that involve matters with a relatively low value. Monetary issues of up to $35,000 are the limit value that this court can take.
The main principle of a small claims court is providing an efficient and cost-effective way to cater to their citizens’ minor claims disputes. Moreover, cutting down the cost for its clients and resolving the conflict with less time is highly encouraged in these courts. In Canada, the procedures are outlined in their Rules of the Small Claims Court guide. (Source)
Despite a different location, small claims courts that preside in Canada run with virtually the same protocols and concerns with such courts in the UK since these two areas have close rules and relationships with each other.
Steps in Suing Someone in a Small Claims Court In Canada
What are the expected steps to follow for suing someone in a small claims court? You need to be familiar with the step-by-step process to know if you can commit to the case. Moreover, knowing the steps can help you know if the small claims court is fit for you.
First, of course, think about it well. Are you really sure that you want to sue someone in a court setting? Are there possible alternatives that are more efficient and less expensive? Remember, small claims courts are not the only way to settle matters with another party. (Source)
Also, a resolution to a case is sometimes monetary payment from the sued party. If the other party cannot pay, you will have an additional burden on your end.
If you have decided to push through, you have to submit paperwork to file the claim, send the claim to the other party involved, and pay the computed fees. You might have to wait for the court to manage the paperwork and respond. This is crucial because not all “small claims” are accepted in this court.
Once your filed case is approved, you and the other party will be asked to a settlement conference with a judge. The dispute may or may not be resolved at this point, depending on its complexity. If it is not decided, then the case will have to go through a trial.
Eventually, you will settle. If you win on the small claims court, the other party will pay you the demanded amount. On the other hand, if you don’t, you will have to shoulder all the court expenses. (Source)
Expected Cost
The factor that separates the small claims court from an actual justice trial is the filing cost and other fees involved. The expenses in a filing in Canada’s or UK’s small claims court varies. The court considers the length and complexity of the steps you take in filing and your frequency in filing a case. Here, filing ten or more times is deemed to be frequent.
If you are an infrequent claimant, your fees will involve $102 for filing, $89 for requesting default judgment, $290 for setting a trial date, and $120 for a notice of motion for an assessment.
| Stage | Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| filing | 102 |
| Requesting default judgment | 89 |
| Setting a trial date | 290 |
| Notice of motion for an assessment | 120 |
| Total Expected small claims costs in Canada | 601 |
In contrast, a frequent claimant will have to pay more than the amount necessary for an infrequent one.
Sometimes, additional fees might be needed if you need witnesses’ travel expenses or interpretation fees.
How Long Does It Take In The UK?
Small claims courts process and resolve cases less than the average time needed in an actual justice court. This is possible because the small claims court is specialized. Hence, several aspects of large-scale courts are not necessary here to resolve disputes.
According to the small claims court in UK, resolution might reach up to six weeks. This is because parties also need to find a common time to meet at the settlement conference. Do note that it can be shorter than this estimated time. (Source)
When Is a Claim Considered for Small Claims Court
Small claims courts have their advantages in terms of cost and time needed. However, the small claims court is not the only court available because they do not cater to all disputes that we encounter. The court can even reject your filed claim if they deem it unfit to be settled here.
You can use smaill claims court for Airbnb disputes!
The small claims court only accepts cases worth $35,000 or below. Anything worth above that will have a lesser chance of being accepted. You may file a lawsuit that involves relatively simple matters such as receiving faulty devices, poor services, unpaid finances from different parties, accidental damages, or landlord repair disputes. (Source)
Generally, disputes under money claims and claims for damages less than the stipulated amount are accepted in the small claims court.
Quick brief and details about UK small claims court:
Things to Keep in Mind If You Want To File In a Small Claims Court in UK and Canada
Now that you know these details about the small claims court, it is also essential to arm yourself with other aspects. This will help you decide if the filing would be a good idea, knowing that it will take up your time and hard-earned money.
Going to a small claims court is not the first option to consider. In fact, it is the last. This is because of the risks that you will face. The court can even penalize you if you fail to provide substantial evidence. Moreover, the small claims court also expects you to settle the claim in another way before bringing it to court.
Availing mediation services might be the more reasonable option for you. In a small claims court trial, sometimes, you will be referred to mediation services. Most of the time, mediations are encouraged rather than availing small claims court services head-on. This way, both parties can settle their disputes with even lesser expense and time devoted.
As we noted earlier, the small claims court can reject your filed case. There is no guarantee that your specific problem will be accepted and processed by the court. Unfortunately, you might be even more inconvenienced if your claim is rejected here.
Keep in mind that a small claims court does not need lawyers! This is the central construct of this court. This is also the reason for significantly cutting its costs compared to more extensive court trials.
Lastly, ask yourself if your claim is genuine. Also, know if you can physically and financially afford to go through the unpredictable and tiring filing process. The financial aspect of filing in a small claims court is a huge aspect to think about. Sometimes, this hinders other people from filing and utilize other services like mediation.
If you deem that all the trouble that you will go through is worth it, then, by all means, proceed with your plans of filing.
In Conclusion
Small claims court is not a new thing in the UK and Canada. They have established rules and regulations that you need to know if you want to settle your disputes here. Significantly less time and cost are required here compared to larger state courts.
Although very useful and effective in certain disputes, keep in mind the risks that you can face. You may not always have the judge in your favor, especially if you lack evidence or preparation. Moreover, if you do win the case, the other party’s due payment to you is not guaranteed as well. The sued party might not have the capacity to pay you!
Knowing all these, you are now equipped with the information to help you understand if a small claims court is for you and if it would be worth it.