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Small Claims in Northwest Territories

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

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.

  • Small Claims Court hearings take place in several communities.
    Court Registry

  • Response Times
    Serve the Claim: as soon as possible after filing
    Defendant Reply: within the time set in the claim documents
    Hearing: scheduled once service is confirmed
    Payment: due within the time stated in the judgment
    Default Judgment: possible if the defendant does not respond
    Missing deadlines can delay or affect your claim.

  • Many Small Claims cases settle before going to a hearing.


    Try to Settle Early
    You may contact the defendant directly. If you agree on terms:

    • Put the agreement in writing

    • File it with the court to close the case


    If No Settlement
    Your case will move to a pre-hearing conference or directly to a hearing.

    ​

    Court Hearing
    If the case proceeds, a judge of the Territorial Court will hear your claim.


    What to Expect
    Hearings are straightforward. Bring:

    • All evidence organized

    • Copies for the judge and defendant

    • Witnesses if needed

    Both parties present their side, answer questions, and the judge makes a decision.
    A written judgment may be issued immediately or later.

    ​

    Judgment & Enforcement
    After the hearing, the judge issues a written judgment.


    If You Win
    The judgment will say what the defendant must pay.
    If they do not pay, you can enforce the judgment using:

    • Garnishment of wages

    • Seizure of bank accounts

    • Seizure of property

    Civil Claims Information


    If You Lose
    You must follow the court’s decision.
    Appeals are handled according to the rules of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.

  • After preparing your form and documents, file your claim with the Territorial Court.


    Where to File
    File at the court registry closest to:

    • Where the defendant lives, or

    • Where the issue occurred

    Court Registries


    What to Bring

    • Completed Small Claims form

    • Copies of your supporting documents

    • Filing fee

    The clerk will stamp your claim and give you copies to serve on the defendant.

    ​

    Serve the defendant
    After filing, you must officially serve the defendant with your claim.


    How to Serve
    You may serve by:

    • Personal service

    • Registered mail

    • Courier with signature

    • Process server

    Rules and Information


    Proof of Service
    You must file proof of service with the court, such as:

    • Mailing receipts

    • Tracking numbers

    • Affidavit of service

  • Before filing, take time to prepare everything clearly.


    Send a Demand Letter
    Try resolving the issue first. Include:

    • What happened

    • What you want

    • A deadline (usually 14–30 days)

    • A statement that you will file a claim if the matter is not resolved

    Send by a trackable method and keep proof.


    Gather Your Evidence
    Collect all materials needed for your claim:

    • Receipts, invoices, contracts

    • Screenshots, emails, messages

    • Photos or documents showing damage or loss

    • A simple timeline of events


    Complete the Correct Form
    Use the forms provided by the NWT Courts.
    Small Claims Forms


    Include:

    • The correct legal name and address of the defendant

    • A clear description of what happened

    • The amount you are claiming (up to $35,000)

  • Northwest Territories Small Claims Court
    Use Small Claims Court for:

    • Claims up to $35,000

    • Debts, unpaid bills, or loans

    • Property damage

    • Problems with a product or service

    • Simple contract disputes

    • Recovery of money owed

    Small Claims Court is designed to be accessible. Many people represent themselves.


    Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories
    Use the Supreme Court for:

    • Claims over $35,000

    • More complex disputes

    • Injunctions or special remedies

    • Appeals and judicial reviews


    Larger than $35,000:
    Claims above this limit must be filed in the Supreme Court.


    Smaller than $35,000:
    Claims under this limit generally belong in Small Claims Court unless your case involves something excluded from Small Claims or requires a remedy only available in the Supreme Court.


    Visit the Small Claims Court page for details.

In This Guide

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