Civil Litigation

Civil Litigation

Our civil litigation services provide skilled legal representation and guidance for clients facing disputes requiring resolution through the court system or alternative dispute resolution methods. At Skyline Legal Group LLP, we specialize in delivering comprehensive support to individuals and businesses across a broad spectrum of civil matters.

Contract Disputes

Breach of contract claims, enforcement and defense of contract terms

Mediation and Arbitration

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, mediation and arbitration representation for faster resolution

Frequently Asked Questions

The information provided in this FAQ section is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and the answers provided here may not apply to your specific circumstances. To receive personalized advice tailored to your case, please consult one of our qualified attorneys. Accessing or reading this content does not establish a lawyer-client relationship with Skyline Legal Group LLP.

How can I sue someone?

You can file a Civil Claim in Alberta Provincial Court if the claim amount is $50,000.00 or less for most matters. For claims exceeding this amount, or for cases involving specific subject matters, you will need to file a Statement of Claim with the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.

I received a Statement of Claim. What do I do?

If the action was initiated and served in Alberta, you have 20 days to file a Statement of Defence. During this time, gather all relevant documentation related to the case and prepare and serve your Statement of Defense accordingly.

What is a statement of Defence?

A Statement of Defence is a formal legal document filed by a defendant in response to a Statement of Claim in a civil lawsuit. It outlines the defendant's position regarding the claims made by the plaintiff, including any defenses or counterarguments to the allegations.

What is a Counterclaim?

In some cases, a defendant will respond to a Statement of Claim by filing both a Statement of Defence and a Counterclaim. This is common in contract disputes, where the plaintiff may allege a breach of contract and seek damages, while the defendant counters by claiming the plaintiff breached the contract and seeks their own damages in the Counterclaim. Such situations can quickly become complex, which is why obtaining professional legal advice is highly recommended.

Are oral contracts enforceable?

The short answer is yes. If there was an offer, acceptance, and consideration, a valid contract exists—even for a handshake deal. Such agreements are more common than many realize. However, the challenge arises in proving the terms of the agreement if a dispute occurs, particularly in court where the rules of evidence apply. To avoid complications, it is always wise to seek professional legal advice and have a written, signed contract in place.

How can I enforce judgments?

All judgments are enforced under Alberta’s Civil Enforcement Act. Judgments issued by either the Provincial Court or the Court of King’s Bench are enforceable through the Court of King’s Bench. If you obtain a court judgment entitling you to a monetary award, the first step is to file the judgment with the Court of King’s Bench. Next, you must register a Writ of Enforcement, which allows you to enforce the judgment. Once registered, you can proceed with collection actions.