Serving Burnaby
Civil litigation lawyers serving Burnaby, BC
We act for Burnaby owners, tenants and businesses in strata, contract and presale disputes, from our Surrey office.
Burnaby’s newer towers produce a steady stream of strata disputes: leaks between units, parking and storage, rental bylaws and fines. Presale purchasers also run into delayed completions and contract changes.
How we help Burnaby clients
- Strata DisputesDisputes between owners, tenants and strata corporations over bylaws, fines, repairs and governance.
- Contract DisputesClaims for breach of contract between individuals, contractors and businesses.
- Debt RecoveryRecovering money you are owed and enforcing judgments, or defending a debt claim.
- Construction DisputesRenovations and builds that go wrong, unpaid trades, deficiencies and builders liens.
- Property DisputesDeals that fall apart, deposits in dispute, and disagreements between co-owners or neighbours.
Courts that hear Burnaby matters
- Burnaby does not have its own courthouse. Depending on the type of matter, Burnaby files are generally heard at the New Westminster Law Courts, 651 Carnarvon Street, or at the Vancouver courthouses.
- Civil Resolution Tribunal (online): small claims up to $5,000 and most strata disputes.
Questions from Burnaby clients
Our presale completion in Burnaby keeps getting delayed. Do I have any rights?
Your rights depend on the disclosure statement and the purchase contract, which usually allow some delay up to an outside date. Past that date you may be able to cancel and recover your deposit. Read the amendments carefully before signing anything new.
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.
Civil Litigation in other communities
Book a consultation
Tell us what has happened. We will tell you where you stand.
The first consultation is free, at our Surrey office on 120 Street.