How to File a Small Claims Court Case in Nova Scotia (2026 Guide)
Nova Scotia Small Claims Court handles disputes up to $25,000. Cases are heard by adjudicators rather than judges, and the process is designed to be simpler and faster than Supreme Court. Most people represent themselves.
This guide covers the full process.
Important disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
What Qualifies?
Small claims in Nova Scotia cover monetary disputes up to $25,000, including breach of contract, unpaid debts, property damage, personal injury claims, and consumer disputes. The process is governed by the Small Claims Court Act and related regulations.
Residential tenancy disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Program, not Small Claims Court.
Step 1: Send a Demand Letter
Send a written demand before filing. State what is owed, why, and give a deadline. Keep proof of delivery.
Step 2: File Your Claim
File a Notice of Claim at the Small Claims Court office. You can file in person or by mail. The form requires the defendant's full legal name and address, a description of your claim, and the amount.
Filing fee: Approximately $99.95.
Step 3: Service
After filing, the court typically handles service by registered mail. The defendant has 20 days to file a defence (called a Dispute). If they don't respond, you can apply for a default order.
Step 4: Settlement Conference
Nova Scotia uses settlement conferences before trial. An adjudicator meets with both parties to see if the dispute can be resolved. Come prepared with all your documents.
Step 5: Hearing
If settlement fails, the adjudicator hears the case. Both parties present evidence and the adjudicator makes a binding decision. Hearings are informal and designed for non-lawyers.
Key Deadlines
The limitation period is 2 years under the Limitation of Actions Act. Missing it means your claim is dismissed.
How BeProSe Helps
BeProSe generates court-ready documents for Nova Scotia courts. Select Nova Scotia, describe your situation, and get a properly formatted Notice of Claim, demand letter, or affidavit.
Start for free at beprose.ca — your first document is free.
Resources
- Nova Scotia Small Claims Court (courts.ns.ca) — official forms and guides
- Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (legalinfo.org) — free legal information
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid (nslegalaid.ca) — eligibility 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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