Small Claims Court in Nova Scotia (2026)
File a claim for up to $25,000 in Nova Scotia without a lawyer. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
Nova Scotia small claims guide
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Nova Scotia Small Claims: Key Facts
Court
Nova Scotia Small Claims Court
Claim limit
$25,000: Nova Scotia Small Claims Court limit is $25,000.
Filing fee
$99.70 for claims under $5,000; $199.35 for claims of $5,000–$25,000. These are fixed amounts set by regulation, in force since April 1, 2015; they are not indexed to inflation. Confirm with the court before filing.
Starting form
Notice of Claim Form 1
How to file
File a Small Claim at the Small Claims Court Adjudicator's office in the county where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred.
Serving the defendant
Court will serve the defendant by registered mail. Personal service may be required if mail service fails.
Step-by-Step: Filing in Nova Scotia
- 1
Send a demand letter.
- 2
File at the Small Claims Court office.
- 3
Court serves the defendant.
- 4
Attend the hearing before the Adjudicator.
- 5
Enforce the Adjudication Order if needed.
What Happens at the Hearing
Informal hearing before an Adjudicator (not a judge). Both parties present evidence. Adjudicator makes a decision, an Adjudication Order, which is binding.
After You Win: Collecting Your Judgment
Use a Judgment Debtor Examination and enforcement orders to collect from wages or assets.
If the Defendant Counterclaims
Defendant may file a counterclaim for related matters. Excess must be waived.
Nova Scotia-specific things to know
- •Nova Scotia uses Adjudicators, not judges, for Small Claims.
- •2-year limitation period.
- •No lawyers are allowed to represent parties in Nova Scotia Small Claims Court.
Common Questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, lawyers are not permitted to represent parties in Small Claims Court. You represent yourself.
What if my claim is more than $25,000?
You can either waive the amount above $25,000 and file in Small Claims Court, or file in a higher court (Superior/Queen's Bench/Court of King's Bench) where lawyers are typically needed and the process is more formal and expensive.
How long do I have to file? (Limitation period)
Most claims in Nova Scotia must be filed within 2 years of when you knew or reasonably should have known about the issue. Check your specific situation, some claims have shorter deadlines.
What if the defendant doesn't show up?
If the defendant was properly served and doesn't appear, the court will typically proceed and you may receive a default judgment in your favour. You still need to present your evidence.
Official sources
Last updated: July 2026
Small claims in other provinces