Alberta Small Claims
Platforms assume people won’t fight back — but Alberta’s Small Claims process proves that you can.
If a platform or company caused you financial loss or broke a digital agreement, you have the right to take action.
This process is made for individuals, not corporations — no lawyer required.
Small Claims Court helps you demand accountability, recover what you’re owed, and stand up for your digital rights.
Quick Links
Below are verified Alberta government and court resources for filing, fees, and civil claims.
⚖️ Courts & Filing
Fee Waiver Application (PDF) →
📄 After Filing
📍 Court Locations & Contacts
Court of King’s Bench – Locations and Sittings →
Court of King’s Bench – Contact Information →
📚 Laws & Regulations
Alberta Queen’s Printer – Laws & Regulations →
✅ Tip:
Bookmark this page — these are official Alberta government links for every stage of the Small Claims process, from filing to enforcement.
Check if your small claim qualifies
In Alberta, Small Claims are handled through the Provincial Court of Alberta (Civil Division).
You can use this process to take action against a company, platform, or individual that caused a measurable loss or breach of service.
💰 You can claim up to $100,000, not including interest or costs.
If your loss is higher, you can still file by abandoning the excess above $100,000.
⚖️ Small Claims Court is designed for self-represented individuals — no lawyer required.
It’s ideal for straightforward cases involving money, service issues, or digital accountability.
For more details, visit the Provincial Court of Alberta – Civil Claims →
Costs & Fee Waivers
Filing a Small Claim in Alberta comes with a small court fee, but there are options to reduce or waive it if you can’t afford to pay.
💰 Filing Fees
Your fee depends on how much money you’re claiming:
Up to $7,500 → $100 filing fee
$7,501–$15,000 → $200 filing fee
$15,001–$100,000 → $300 filing fee
These fees are paid when you submit your Civil Claim (Form 7A) at the Provincial Court registry.
🧾 Request a Fee Waiver
If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can apply for a Fee Waiver Certificate through Alberta Court and Justice Services.
You’ll need to provide proof of income or financial hardship when applying.
Court and Justice Services – Fee Waiver Information →
Prepare your claim
Before filing, take a little time to get your case ready. It saves time later and helps you stay organized.
📨 Send a Demand Letter
Try to resolve the issue before going to court.
Include:
What happened and what you want.
A deadline (usually 14–30 days).
A note saying you’ll file a claim if there’s no response.
Tip: Send your letter by registered mail or another trackable method and keep proof of delivery.
📁 Gather Your Evidence
Collect everything that supports your claim — like receipts, screenshots, invoices, or emails.
Organize your documents in order and create a simple timeline so your case is easy to follow.
🧾 Complete the Right Form
Use Civil Claim Form (CTS1461) to start your case in the Provincial Court of Alberta – Civil Division.
Include the correct legal name of the person or company, what happened, when it happened, and the total amount you’re claiming (up to $100,000).
✅ Once your documents and evidence are ready, you’ll be set to move on to filing your claim.
File your claim
Once your claim form and evidence are ready, you can officially start your case by filing it with the court.
📄 Where to File
Small Claims in Alberta are filed at the Provincial Court (Civil Division) in the area where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
You can file in person at the courthouse or online using the Civil Claims Online Filing Service.
Civil Claims Online Filing Information →
🧾 What You’ll Need
Bring or upload:
Your completed Civil Claim (Form 7A)
Any supporting documents or evidence you want to include
The filing fee (or an approved fee waiver)
After filing, the clerk will review your claim, stamp it, and return copies to you for serving the defendant.
💡 Tip:
Double-check that names, addresses, and claim amounts are correct before you file — it can be difficult to change later.
✅ Once your claim is filed, the next step is to serve the defendant.
Serve the defendant
After filing your claim, you must officially deliver a copy of it to the person or business you’re suing.
This step is called serving the defendant, and it ensures they’ve been properly notified about your case.
📬 After Filing
Serve the defendant with stamped copies of your Civil Claim (Form CTS1461).
This must be done before your case can move forward.
📨 How to Serve
You can serve the defendant in one of the following ways:
Personal service — hand the stamped claim directly to them.
Mail or courier — send it to their last known address and keep proof of delivery.
Process server — hire a professional to deliver it for you.
Email service is not allowed unless the court specifically approves it.
🧾 Proof of Service
After serving, complete and file an Affidavit of Service of Commencement Documents (Form CTS11420) with the court.
This proves when and how the defendant received their documents.
💡 Tip:
If you’re serving a company or platform, use their registered business address from Alberta Corporate Registry or Corporations Canada, not just their website.
Mediation / Settlement
If the defendant files a Dispute Note, most Alberta Small Claims cases are first sent to mediation.
This gives both sides a chance to resolve the issue before going to trial.
🗓️ How It Works
Mediation is usually scheduled by the court.
Both parties receive a letter with the date, time, and location of the session.
A neutral mediator helps guide the discussion and works toward an agreement.
✍️ If You Reach an Agreement
You can write it down, sign it, and file it with the court.
The court can then make it an official order, closing the case without a trial.
⚖️ If No Agreement Is Reached
If you can’t settle, the case moves forward to a trial where a judge will decide.
Court Hearing
If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, your case will move to a court hearing.
This is where both sides present their evidence and tell their story to the judge.
🧾 What to Bring
Bring three copies of all your evidence — one for you, one for the judge, and one for the defendant.
Include documents, screenshots, receipts, or any proof supporting your claim.
⚖️ In the Courtroom
Address the judge as “Your Honour.”
Speak clearly, stay polite, and focus on the facts.
Use plain language — you don’t need legal jargon.
📄 After the Hearing
The judge may give a decision right away or send it to you later in writing.
If you win, the written judgment will include how much the defendant must pay.
Guide to process →
Judgement & Enforcement
After the hearing, the judge will make a decision called a judgment.
It explains who won, how much must be paid, and any additional costs or conditions.
📄 If You Win
You’ll receive a Certificate of Judgment from the court.
This document confirms that the other party owes you money.
If they don’t pay voluntarily, you can take legal steps to collect it.
💰 Enforcing the Judgment
If the defendant doesn’t pay, you can apply for enforcement options such as:
Garnishment – having funds taken directly from wages or a bank account.
Seizure of property – asking the civil enforcement agency (sheriff) to seize and sell assets.
You may need to file additional forms and pay small fees, which can usually be added to the total amount owed.
🕒 If You Lose
If the decision goes against you, you may be ordered to pay the other party’s costs.
You can file an appeal within 30 days, but only on specific legal grounds.
Court Locations
Browse court house hours, and locations here →
Court Contact Information
For phone numbers, locations, operational hours and and contact information for all Court of King's Bench of Alberta locations, please visit our Locations, Contacts, Hours & Sittings page or refer to the Court Calendar.
CJS Contact Centre:
Telephone: 1 (855) 738-4747
Edmonton King's Bench main number: 1 (780) 422-2492
Calgary King's Bench main number: 1 (403) 297-7538
8:15 am to 4:00 pm
Open Monday - Friday
Closed on Statutory Holidays
Legal Aid / Options
⚖️ Legal Aid Alberta (LAA)
Provides legal help to individuals who qualify based on income and case type.
They can assist with legal advice, court preparation, and referrals.
🌐 legalaid.ab.ca
📞 Call Centre: 1-866-845-3425
💬 Resolution and Court Administration Services (RCAS)
Offers free information, court form assistance, and guidance on Provincial Court procedures.
You can also book a one-on-one appointment online or by phone.
🌐 alberta.ca/court-and-justice-services.aspx
📞 1-855-738-4747
👩⚖️ Law Society of Alberta – Lawyer Referral Service
Connects you with a lawyer for a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your case.
Useful if you want legal advice before or after your hearing.
📚 Calgary Legal Guidance & Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Both organizations provide free legal advice, workshops, and self-help resources to people representing themselves in court.
Calgary Legal Guidance →
Edmonton Community Legal Centre →
🤝 Pro Bono Law Alberta
Coordinates volunteer lawyers across the province who provide free legal help to individuals with low income or special circumstances.
🌐 pbla.ca
✅ Tip:
These services can explain the court process, help you complete forms, and offer advice to prepare for mediation or your hearing.
Response Times
Each step in Alberta’s Small Claims process has a time limit. Missing one can delay your case or lead to a default judgment.
⏱️ Serve the Claim
You must serve the defendant within one year of filing your Civil Claim (Form CTS1461).
If you don’t, your claim may be dismissed unless extended by the court.
📬 Defendant’s Reply (Dispute Note)
The defendant has 20 days after being served to file a Dispute Note (Form CTS1462) if they live in Alberta,
30 days if they live elsewhere in Canada, and
60 days if they live outside Canada.
If no response is filed, you can apply for a default judgment.
⚖️ Mediation or Hearing
If a Dispute Note is filed, mediation is scheduled first (unless the court decides otherwise).
If mediation doesn’t resolve the case, a trial date will be set — usually within a few months.
💰 Payment or Enforcement
If you win, the defendant generally has 30 days to pay unless the judgment says otherwise.
If they don’t, you can start enforcement (like garnishment or seizure).
✅ Summary:
Serve → 1 year
Reply → 20–60 days
Mediation/Hearing → within a few months
Payment → 30 days after judgment