What is civil litigation?

Civil litigation is the process of resolving a non-criminal dispute between parties through the court system, including the steps leading up to a trial. Most civil matters settle before trial.

How long do I have to start a civil claim in Alberta?

Alberta legislation imposes limitation periods, and they vary depending on the type of claim and when the claim was discovered. Because missing a deadline can be fatal to a claim, obtain legal advice about your specific circumstances as early as possible.

What is the difference between negotiation, mediation and litigation?

Negotiation is direct discussion between the parties or their lawyers. Mediation adds a neutral third party who helps the parties reach agreement. Litigation is the formal court process, with a judge deciding the outcome if the matter does not settle.

What documents should I keep?

Preserve contracts, invoices, emails, text messages, photographs and notes of conversations. Do not delete anything relevant once a dispute is anticipated.

Will my dispute go to trial?

Most civil disputes resolve before trial through negotiation, mediation or an application. We prepare a matter properly for trial while working toward resolution where that serves the client's objectives.

How much does civil litigation cost?

Cost depends on the complexity of the dispute, the conduct of the other party and how far the matter proceeds. We discuss fee arrangements and expected steps with you before work begins.

Calgary Civil Litigation Lawyers

Civil Litigation Lawyer in Calgary, Alberta

Three Dimensions Law represents individuals and businesses in civil disputes in Calgary, including contract disputes, debt recovery, commercial disagreements, property disputes and landlord and tenant matters. We assess the strength of a claim or defence, advise on the realistic paths to resolution, and act through negotiation, mediation or proceedings in the Alberta courts. If you have received a claim or are considering starting one, request a consultation so the issues, timelines and options can be reviewed early.

Request a Consultation (403) 837-5108

Common Matters

Civil Litigation matters we handle

Contract disputes

Disagreements over the meaning, performance or breach of a written or verbal agreement.

Debt recovery

Pursuing amounts owed, or responding to a demand for payment you dispute.

Commercial disputes

Disagreements between businesses, shareholders, suppliers or service providers.

Property disputes

Boundary, ownership, possession and related real property disagreements.

Landlord and tenant matters

Residential and commercial tenancy disputes, including arrears and possession issues.

Negotiation and mediation

Structured settlement efforts that can resolve a dispute earlier and at lower cost than trial.

Understanding the issue

Litigation is a process, not a single event

A civil claim in Alberta moves through pleadings, disclosure of records, questioning and applications before it reaches trial. Most matters resolve before that point. Understanding where the pressure points are in that process is often what determines the outcome.

Early advice matters. Documents preserved, letters written and admissions avoided at the start of a dispute frequently shape what is achievable later.

Limitation periods are strict

Alberta legislation sets deadlines for starting a civil claim. Missing a limitation period can end a claim regardless of its merits. If you think you may have a claim, seek advice promptly rather than waiting to see whether the matter resolves on its own.

How Three Dimensions Law can help

Assessing the merits, likely cost and realistic outcomes of a claim or defence
Drafting demand letters and negotiating resolution before proceedings are started
Preparing pleadings, applications and supporting affidavits
Managing disclosure of records and questioning
Representing clients at mediation and in court proceedings

What to expect

01
Review
We read the contracts, correspondence and documents and identify the legal issues.
02
Assessment
We give a candid view of strengths, weaknesses, cost and timelines.
03
Resolution attempt
Where sensible, we pursue negotiation or mediation first.
04
Proceedings
If the matter cannot resolve, we advance it through the appropriate Alberta court.

Who you may work with

Louis F. Fombon
Lawyer
Dipika Ramessur
Lawyer

Calgary and Alberta relevance

Our office is in downtown Calgary at 816 7 Ave SW, Suite 500, and we act for clients throughout the city and elsewhere in Alberta. Matters of this kind are governed by Alberta legislation and are heard, where court is required, in the Alberta Court of Justice or the Court of King's Bench of Alberta depending on the nature and value of the claim.

We will tell you at the outset which forum and framework applies to your matter, and what that means for timing and cost.

Areas we serve

Further information

Related services

Legal Questions

Civil Litigation questions we are often asked

Request a Consultation

Speak with a Calgary civil litigation lawyer.

Tell us what you are dealing with and we will explain the options available to you.

Request a Consultation Call (403) 837-5108