How long does a civil lawsuit typically take?
A civil lawsuit in BC or Alberta can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve.
The timeline depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, court availability, the amount of evidence, and whether either party tries to delay the process. For example, a breach of contract where a general contractor hasn’t paid subcontractors may be resolved more quickly than a will-variation claim, which may require evidence from many parties.
Scheduling a trial can also be challenging as it depends on the schedule of both lawyers and the availability of judges. The timeline also depends on which court is hearing the case. On average, the provincial court in British Columbia resolves matters faster than the supreme court. Similarly, in Alberta, the court of justice is generally faster and simpler than the court of king’s bench. At any stage, the parties may attend mediation or engage in settlement discussions, which can resolve the matter more quickly than going to trial.
This FAQ was prepared by Vancouver Civil and Estate Litigation Lawyer, Jiya Dassan, and Calgary Articling Student Neema Khalili.
