Legal dispute

A legal dispute is a disagreement between parties over legal rights or obligations, such as a breach of contract, unpaid debt, property or intellectual property conflict. It can be resolved by negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation in a court or tribunal.

How BC law treats it

In BC, most small claims of $5,000 or less must start at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, claims from $5,001 to $35,000 go to Provincial Court small claims, and larger claims go to the BC Supreme Court; the Tribunal also has special jurisdiction over some strata, society, cooperative and motor vehicle injury disputes. Most claims are subject to a basic two year limitation period under the Limitation Act, SBC 2012 c 13.

What it means for your business

A BC business should preserve documents and seek advice early when a dispute arises.

Risks and common mistakes

Waiting too long can let the two year limitation period expire, ending the right to sue.

Fulcrum's litigation lawyers can help with these issues.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.