Prairie Legal Services can assist you with small claims court matters. In Manitoba small claims courts can hear matters up to $15,000. These hearings are less formal than traditional court and presided over by a hearing officer who may or may not be legally trained. Unlike most firms, Prairie Legal Services offers reasonable pricing based on the matter and not an hourly rate.
Claims
Though a lawyer is not required to file in small claims court there are numerous benefits. Court staff can provide you information about the process however cannot provide you advice or help you complete documents. Prairie Legal Services will examine your claim, provide you advice surrounding the matter and complete all documents and filings. We can also assist you in negotiating with the other party without the emotion or personal dispute trying to negotiate yourself may cause. Hiring a lawyer for your matter also ensures that legal concepts or principles you are unfamiliar with are not overlooked increasing your chances of success.
Defence
Has someone filed an action against you? Prairie Legal Services can represent you in your matter. We will examine your matter and provide you advice. Prairie Legal Services can also assist you with options and strategies such as filing a counterclaim, making an offer for resolution, or defending you at trial.
Appeals
Appeals of small claims court are rare and have several restrictions. Retaining a lawyer to represent you may reduce the chances of court error and will assist you in determining if an error is eligible for appeal. Even if Prairie Legal Services did not assist you in your matter we can still assist in appeals to the Court of Queen’s Bench.
Pricing
Small Claims matters with Prairie Legal Services are billed at our hourly rate of $250 plus taxes and disbursements. A retainer system will be used in these matters starting at $4000.
