Serving Vancouver
Civil litigation lawyers serving Vancouver, BC
We act for Vancouver owners and businesses in strata, contract and debt disputes, from our Surrey office.
With so many Vancouver homes in strata buildings, disputes over leaks, renovations, short-term rental bylaws and fines are common. Most are decided at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, which is faster and cheaper than court when the claim is prepared properly.
How we help Vancouver 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 Vancouver matters
- Vancouver Law Courts, 800 Smithe Street: Supreme Court matters for Vancouver, including divorce and property division.
- Vancouver Provincial Court, 222 Main Street: Provincial Court family matters and small claims.
- Civil Resolution Tribunal (online): small claims up to $5,000 and most strata disputes.
Questions from Vancouver clients
Should my strata dispute go to the Civil Resolution Tribunal or to court?
Most strata disputes must start at the Civil Resolution Tribunal. Some, such as claims above its limits or certain orders only a court can make, belong in BC Supreme Court. We tell you which forum fits before you file.
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.