Practice area
Civil litigation lawyers in Surrey, BC
A lawsuit costs money, time and attention, even when you are in the right. Our first job in any civil matter is to tell you plainly whether a claim is worth pursuing or defending, what it is likely to cost, and whether there is a faster way to resolve it.
Talk to a lawyer
Your first consultation is free, in person at our Surrey office. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.
We act for homeowners facing foreclosure, for people and businesses chasing money they are owed or defending a claim, for owners and contractors in construction and builders lien disputes, and for strata owners and small businesses. Matters are run before the Civil Resolution Tribunal, the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Some of this work is governed by a calendar rather than by argument. A builders lien lawyer in Surrey counts the deadline in days, a foreclosure litigation lawyer works from the dates set by a court order, and most other civil claims carry a two-year limitation period. If any of those apply to you, the first appointment is the one that matters most.
Services
Our civil litigation services
Debt Recovery
Recovering money you are owed and enforcing judgments, or defending a debt claim.
Learn moreForeclosure
Mortgage default and foreclosure in the BC Supreme Court, for homeowners and for lenders.
Learn moreConstruction Disputes
Renovations and builds that go wrong, unpaid trades, deficiencies and builders liens.
Learn moreBuilders Liens
Filing, defending and removing claims of lien under the Builders Lien Act, and holdback disputes.
Learn moreProperty Disputes
Deals that fall apart, deposits in dispute, and disagreements between co-owners or neighbours.
Learn moreContract Disputes
Claims for breach of contract between individuals, contractors and businesses.
Learn moreStrata Disputes
Disputes between owners, tenants and strata corporations over bylaws, fines, repairs and governance.
Learn moreWhere will your dispute be heard?
The Civil Resolution Tribunal handles most small claims up to $5,000, most strata property disputes and some other specific types of claim. Its process runs mostly online.
Provincial Court (Small Claims) hears claims over $5,000 and up to $35,000. The procedure is simpler than in Supreme Court, and a settlement conference with a judge is common before trial.
The Supreme Court of British Columbia hears claims over $35,000, and certain kinds of case whatever the amount. Foreclosures and builders lien actions belong there regardless of the sum involved, as do claims about title to land.
Should I try to settle?
It is almost always worth exploring. Most civil cases settle before trial. A settlement gives you certainty and control over the result, and a sensible offer made early can also affect who pays legal costs later.
Who pays legal costs if I win?
In BC Supreme Court the successful party is usually awarded costs, but those are set by a tariff and typically cover only part of the actual legal fees. In small claims and at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, the costs you can recover are more limited.
How long does a lawsuit take?
A small claim can be resolved in months. A contested Supreme Court action commonly takes one to three years to reach trial, although most settle well before that.
Serving Surrey and the Lower Mainland
Our office is on 120 Street in Surrey, at 84 Avenue, and we act for clients across the Lower Mainland. The first consultation is free. Learn more about the courts and local considerations in your community.
Other areas we act in
- Family LawSeparation agreements, divorce, property and debt division, child support, spousal support, parenting arrangements and prenuptial agreements.
- Wills & Power of AttorneyWills, powers of attorney and representation agreements, prepared and signed properly under BC law.
- Immigration LawPermanent residence and Express Entry, family sponsorship, refugee claims, appeals and judicial review.
- Real Estate ConveyancingResidential purchases and sales, refinancing and mortgages, and title transfers between family members.
Book a consultation
Tell us what has happened. We will tell you where you stand.
The first consultation is free, at our Surrey office. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.