What is it?

  • Small Claims Court is  a branch of the superior court of justice, and is considered civil law
  • Claims must not exceed $25,000
  • Must be within 6 years since the debt arose
  • Plaintiffs and defendants represent themselves in court
  • Cases could either be for claims for money owed under agreement or claims for damages
  • Claims can even be made for the successful party to charge the other party to pay court fees

Claims for money owed under an agreement

  • Unpaid accounts for goods or services sold and delivered
  • Unpaid loans
  • Unpaid rent
  • NSF (Non sufficient funds) cheques

Claims for damages

  • Property damage
  • Clothes damaged by a dry cleaner
  • Personal injuries
  • Breach of contract
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How to collect money

To be able to sue and claim money that is owed or for damages, you must ensure that the defendant has at least:

  • Money
  • Liquid assets
  • A debt owed by a third party that can be transferred to the plaintiff

A ruling from the judge does not ensure you will your receive your claims back, but merely entitlement to claim back owed assets

The Trial

To ensure the judge rules in your favour, evidence should brought into the court such as:

  1. Witnesses
  2. Physical evidence (nsf cheques, bills, other documents)

To begin the trial, the plaintiff states their case and why they believe they are owed. The defendant then adds their rebuttal.

READ:
Chapter 4 LAB Activity: Eratosthenes and the Earth’s Circumference Answers

The judge makes a decision based on what they have heard and evidence presented.

author avatar
William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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