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Small Claims in New Brunswick

Clear, province-specific guidance on small claims procedures, filing limits, fees, and court processes in New Brunswick.

Always confirm current rules with the appropriate court in your jurisdiction.

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.

  • Response Times

    Serve the Claim: follow registry instructions after filing
    Defendant Reply: due within the time noted in the claim package
    Hearing: usually scheduled within a few months after a response is filed
    Payment: due as ordered in the judgment
    Default Judgment: possible if the defendant does not respond

    Missing deadlines can delay your case or affect your ability to proceed.

  • Many Small Claims disputes settle before a hearing.

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    Settle Early if You Can

    You can negotiate directly with the defendant at any time. If both sides agree:

    • Put the agreement in writing

    • File the settlement or withdrawal form with the court

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    If No Settlement

    If no agreement is reached, the case moves to a hearing.

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    Court Hearing

    If your case does not settle, it will move forward to a hearing.

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    What to Expect

    Hearings are meant to be simple and informal.

    Bring:

    • All evidence organized in order

    • Copies for the hearing officer and defendant

    • Witnesses if needed

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    Each side explains what happened and presents evidence. The hearing officer may ask questions and then issue a decision.

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    Judgment & Enforcement

    After the hearing, the decision is called a judgment.

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    If You Win

    Keep a copy of your judgment. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, enforcement options are available through the court.

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    If You Lose

    You may owe the amount ordered. Appeals are limited and must be filed quickly.

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    Enforcement guidance

  • Once your form and evidence are ready, you can file your claim with the court.

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    Where to File

    Small Claims are filed at the Provincial Court registry in your judicial district, closest to:

    • Where the defendant lives or does business, or

    • Where the incident occurred

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    Find your registry:
    New Brunswick Courts Locations

    Filing is done in person or by mail. Check with your local registry for requirements.

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    What to Bring

    • Your completed claim form

    • Copies of evidence you want attached

    • Filing fee (or fee waiver if applicable)

    The clerk will stamp your claim and provide copies for service.

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    Serve the defendant

    After filing, you must officially deliver the claim to the defendant.

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    How to Serve

    Serve by:

    • Personal delivery

    • Registered mail with tracking

    • A process server

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    Proof of Service

    After serving, complete the required proof of service form and file it with the court.


    Service help and forms are listed here

  • Before filing, take time to get your case ready. This keeps things organized and avoids delays.

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    Send a Demand Letter

    Try to resolve the issue first. Include:

    • What happened and what you want

    • A deadline (usually 14–30 days)

    • Notice that you will file if there is no response

    Send by registered mail or another trackable method and keep proof.

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    Gather Your Evidence

    Collect everything that supports your claim:

    • Receipts, invoices, contracts

    • Screenshots, emails, or message logs

    • Proof of payments or losses

    • A short timeline of key events

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    Complete the Correct Form

    Use the Small Claims Court claim form listed in NB’s official forms set.


    Forms and instructions:
    Forms for Small Claims Court
    GNB Court Forms
    GNB Claim Form

  • New Brunswick Small Claims Court
    Use Small Claims Court for:

    • Claims up to $20,000

    • Debts, damages, or return of personal property

    • Straightforward civil disputes where self-representation is expected

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    Small Claims Court is designed to be informal and accessible. Claims are decided by a hearing officer, and most people do not need a lawyer.

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    Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick
    Use the Court of King’s Bench for:

    • Claims over $20,000

    • Matters not allowed in Small Claims Court

    • More complex civil disputes

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    Larger than $20,000:
    You cannot file in Small Claims Court. Claims above $20,000 must go to the Court of King’s Bench.

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    Smaller than $20,000:
    Claims under $20,000 generally belong in Small Claims Court unless:

    • The dispute type is excluded from Small Claims

    • The court rules it must proceed in a higher court

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    Visit the New Brunswick Small Claims Court page for details.

In This Guide

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