Supreme Court or Provincial Court?

It depends mainly on the amount and the subject. Divorce, property division, class actions and judicial review go to the Supreme Court regardless of amount.

What is a wills variation claim?

BC allows a spouse or child to ask the court to vary a will that did not make adequate provision for them. That power is notably broad and extends to independent adult children.

Not required, but Supreme Court procedure is technical and the Rules apply identically to self-represented parties.

Supreme Court of British Columbia — Civil Claims, Divorce & Estates

Supreme Court of British Columbia

The Supreme Court of British Columbia is the province's court of general jurisdiction: civil claims above the Provincial Court limit, all divorce, estates and wills variation, class actions, judicial review of tribunals, and the most serious criminal trials. BC is notable for a broad statutory power to vary a will, which makes estate litigation here more common than elsewhere.

What it does

Hears civil claims above the Provincial Court monetary limit
Decides divorce and family property division
Certifies and manages class actions
Hears wills variation and estate litigation
Conducts judicial review of tribunals and boards

Matters it hears

Larger civil and commercial disputes
Divorce, support and family property
Wills variation claims and estate disputes
Class actions and injunctions
Serious criminal matters including jury trials

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Court of Appeal for British Columbia.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Supreme Court or Provincial Court?: It depends mainly on the amount and the subject. Divorce, property division, class actions and judicial review go to the Supreme Court regardless of amount.
What is a wills variation claim?: BC allows a spouse or child to ask the court to vary a will that did not make adequate provision for them. That power is notably broad and extends to independent adult children.
Do I need a lawyer?: Not required, but Supreme Court procedure is technical and the Rules apply identically to self-represented parties.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Supreme Court of British Columbia. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.