Serving New Westminster
Civil litigation lawyers serving New Westminster, BC
We act for New Westminster owners, tenants and businesses in strata, contract and debt disputes, from our Surrey office.
Many New Westminster homes are in older strata buildings, where leaks, aging envelopes, special levies and bylaw fines lead to disputes. Most of these are decided at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, with larger claims at the New Westminster Law Courts.
How we help New Westminster 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 New Westminster matters
- New Westminster Law Courts, 651 Carnarvon Street: Supreme Court and Provincial Court matters.
- Civil Resolution Tribunal (online): small claims up to $5,000 and most strata disputes.
Questions from New Westminster clients
Our strata approved a large special levy. Can I challenge it?
Possibly, if the levy was not approved by the required three-quarter vote, or if the process did not follow the Strata Property Act and your bylaws. These disputes usually go to the Civil Resolution Tribunal, and timing matters.
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.
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.