Small Claims Court in Prince Edward Island (2026)
File a claim for up to $16,000 in Prince Edward Island without a lawyer. Here's exactly what to do — step by step.
Get your Prince Edward Island small claims package — $14
Demand letter, claim summary, evidence checklist, and post-judgment collection guide — ready to use.
Prince Edward Island Small Claims — Key Facts
Court
PEI Small Claims Section
Claim limit
$16,000 — PEI Small Claims Section limit is $16,000 (raised from $8,000 in June 2025).
Filing fee
$50 flat to file a claim (regardless of claim amount)
How to file
File at the PEI Supreme Court registry. The court will serve the defendant.
Serving the defendant
Court serves defendant by registered mail.
Step-by-Step: Filing in Prince Edward Island
- 1
Send a demand letter.
- 2
File at the Supreme Court registry.
- 3
Attend the hearing.
- 4
Enforce judgment if necessary.
What Happens at the Hearing
Informal hearing before a judge. Self-represented litigants are common.
After You Win: Collecting Your Judgment
Enforcement through writs of execution and garnishment.
If the Defendant Counterclaims
Defendant may counterclaim for related matters.
Prince Edward Island-specific things to know
- •PEI limit is $16,000.
- •2-year limitation period.
Common Questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Prince Edward Island?
No. Small Claims Court is designed for self-represented litigants. You may bring a lawyer if you choose, but it's usually not cost-effective for smaller claims. Most people represent themselves.
What if my claim is more than $16,000?
You can either waive the amount above $16,000 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 Prince Edward Island 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: June 2026
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