Small Claims Court Alberta Guide
Clear, province-specific guidance on small claims procedures, filing limits, fees, and court processes in Alberta. Always confirm current rules with the appropriate court.
In This Guide
Courts & Claims
Alberta Courts – Civil Claims (Alberta Court of Justice)
https://www.albertacourts.ca/cj/areas-of-law/civil/claims/
Filing a Civil Claim – Government of Alberta
https://www.alberta.ca/file-application-claim-in-court
Civil Claim Forms – Alberta Courts
https://www.albertacourts.ca/cj/resources/forms/civil-practice-directions-and-forms
Civil Claim (CTS1461)
https://cfr.forms.gov.ab.ca/form/cts1461.pdf
Court Procedures
Court Procedures in Small Claims – Calgary Legal Guidance
Legal Help & Education
Pro Bono Law Alberta
Law Society of Alberta
https://www.lawsociety.ab.ca/public/findalawyer/
Legal Aid Alberta
Pro Bono Canada Directory
- Civil Claims in Alberta are handled through the Alberta Court of Justice. Use Civil Claims for eligible money, property, contract, service, debt, or damages disputes within the Alberta civil claims limit. Claims above the limit or claims needing remedies outside the Civil Claims process may need a higher court process. Confirm the current claim limit, filing location, and filing method with Alberta Courts or your local registry before filing.
Before filing, prepare your case.
Send a demand letter explaining what happened, what you request, a 14–30 day response deadline, and notice you will file if there is no reply.
Send by registered/trackable mail and keep proof.
Gather receipts, contracts, invoices, screenshots, communication logs, platform responses, and a timeline.
Complete Civil Claim Form CTS1461 with correct legal names, brief facts, and amount claimed.
File the Civil Claim at the Alberta Court of Justice registry nearest where the defendant lives/does business or where the incident occurred.
Most claims must be filed in person or by mail.
Bring completed CTS1461, supporting documents, and filing fee/approved waiver.
After filing, serve the stamped claim as soon as possible.
Defendant typically has 20 days to file a Dispute Note.
Service can be personal delivery, registered mail with tracking, or process server.
If service cannot be completed, apply for substitutional service.
File an Affidavit of Service and keep delivery proof.
Settlement discussions can happen directly with the defendant.
If settled, document terms and file a Consent Judgment or Notice of Withdrawal.
Many civil claims may be referred to Alberta’s Civil Mediation Program.
If unresolved, the court schedules a hearing.
Bring organized evidence, copies for judge and defendant, and witnesses.
After both sides present, the judge issues a decision at hearing or later by mail.
If you win, judgment may be enforced through wage garnishment, bank garnishment, or seizure and sale of assets under Alberta civil enforcement processes.
If you lose, costs may be ordered and appeals must follow strict timelines.
If you need assistance preparing your claim or cannot afford legal representation, the following resources may help:
Legal Aid Alberta
Law Society of Alberta
https://www.lawsociety.ab.ca/public/findalawyer/
Pro Bono Law Alberta
Pro Bono Canada
Serve the Claim: as soon as possible after filing.
Defendant Reply/Dispute Note: within 20 days.
Hearing: generally scheduled within a few months.
Payment: typically due within 30 days unless stated otherwise.
Default Judgment: available if no Dispute Note is filed.
Civil Claims are handled at Alberta Court of Justice locations throughout the province.
Check with the specific registry for filing requirements and operating hours.
Important Note
This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Small claims rules, fees, and claim limits may change. Always confirm curent details with your local court.