How to File a Small Claims Case in Manitoba (2026 Guide)
Manitoba handles small claims through its Court of King's Bench, not a separate small claims court. That sounds intimidating, but the small claims process within King's Bench uses simplified procedures designed for people without lawyers. Claims up to $15,000 qualify.
This guide covers everything you need to know to file and pursue a small claims action in Manitoba.
Important disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Manitoba court rules can be complex. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
What Qualifies as a Small Claim in Manitoba?
Small claims in Manitoba cover monetary disputes up to $15,000, including breach of contract, unpaid debts, property damage, consumer disputes, and recovery of personal property. The process is governed by the Court of King's Bench Small Claims Practices Act and related rules.
Claims over $15,000 follow the regular King's Bench process, which is significantly more complex. If your claim exceeds $15,000, you can abandon the excess to use the simplified process.
Step 1: Send a Demand Letter
Send a written demand before filing. State what is owed, why, and give a deadline of 10 to 14 days. Keep a copy and proof of delivery. Courts expect you to have made a reasonable effort to resolve the dispute before bringing it to them.
Step 2: File Your Claim
File a Statement of Claim at the Court of King's Bench. The form is available from the court office or online at the Manitoba Courts website. You'll need the defendant's full legal name and address, a description of your claim, and the amount.
Filing fees:
| Claim amount | Filing fee | |-------------|-----------| | Up to $5,000 | $50 | | $5,001 to $15,000 | $100 |
Step 3: Serve the Defendant
After filing, you must serve the defendant. For individuals, personal service or registered mail are the standard methods. The defendant has 20 days to file a defence. If they don't respond, you can apply for default judgment.
Step 4: Hearing
If the defendant disputes the claim, the court schedules a hearing. Small claims hearings in Manitoba are less formal than regular trials. Bring all your documents organized chronologically, any contracts or correspondence, and witnesses if relevant.
The judge makes a decision, usually at the hearing or shortly after.
Key Deadlines
The general limitation period in Manitoba is 2 years under the Limitation of Actions Act. Missing this deadline is fatal to your claim.
How BeProSe Helps
BeProSe generates court-ready documents for Manitoba's Court of King's Bench. Select Manitoba, describe your situation, and get a properly formatted Statement of Claim, demand letter, or affidavit.
Start for free at beprose.ca — your first document is free.
Resources
- Manitoba Courts (manitobacourts.mb.ca) — official forms and guides
- Community Legal Education Association (communitylegal.mb.ca) — free legal information
- Legal Aid Manitoba (legalaid.mb.ca) — eligibility checker and application
Last reviewed: April 2026. Filing fees and procedures are subject to change; verify with the court office before filing.
Jonathan Silversteinis the founder of BeProSe (BeProSe Inc.), a legal technology company that helps self-represented Canadians prepare court-ready documents. BeProSe's guides are researched against primary legal sources — including provincial rules of civil procedure, tribunal practice directions, and official court forms — and reviewed for procedural accuracy before publication.
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