Bringing a Support Person to BC Small Claims Court
Walking into a courtroom alone — even a relatively informal small claims courtroom — is intimidating. You have never done this before, you are not sure what to say, and the other side might have a lawyer. Can you bring someone with you for support?
Yes. The BC Provincial Court allows unrepresented litigants to request permission to have a support person sit with them during small claims hearings. But there are clear limits on what that person can do.
What a Support Person Can Do
A support person is there for emotional and organizational support, not legal representation. They can:
- Sit with you if the court permits
- Help you organize your documents and exhibits during the hearing
- Take notes
- Pass you written reminders or prompts
- Provide quiet moral support
Think of them as a second pair of hands and a calm presence. Having someone help you find the right document when the judge asks a question — instead of fumbling through a stack of papers — can make a meaningful difference in how smoothly your case is presented.
What a Support Person Cannot Do
A support person is not a lawyer, advocate, or spokesperson. They cannot:
- Speak on your behalf to the judge
- Examine or cross-examine witnesses
- Make legal arguments
- Object to evidence or procedures
- Act as your legal representative in any capacity
If you need someone to speak for you, you need to hire a lawyer or, for corporate parties, authorize a director, officer, or employee under Small Claims Rule 17(4).
How to Request Permission
Ask the judge for permission to have your support person with you. The court decides whether to allow the request.
Permission is not automatic. Explain briefly why you need the support person and how they will assist without speaking for you.
If your conference is via Microsoft Teams, contact the registry in advance to ask how a support person may join. The court's permission still applies.
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Who Makes a Good Support Person
Anyone you trust who can stay calm and organized:
- A friend or family member who is comfortable in formal settings
- A colleague or business partner familiar with the documents in your case
- A community legal advocate (some non-profit organizations provide court companions)
The ideal support person is someone who has reviewed your documents beforehand, understands the order you plan to present them in, and can quietly hand you the right page at the right moment without needing to be told.
Support Person vs. Lawyer vs. Agent
| Role | Can speak for you? | Can present legal arguments? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support person | No | No | Free |
| Lawyer | Yes | Yes | $200–$500+/hour |
| Articled student or legal clinic | Depends on supervision | Yes (under supervision) | Often free through clinics |
Organizations like Access Pro Bono BC and the Law Students' Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) at UBC may provide free legal representation or summary advice for eligible low-income litigants. If you qualify, actual legal representation beats a support person for case outcomes.
The Bottom Line
You do not have to face a BC small claims hearing alone. A support person cannot argue your case, but they can help you stay organized, keep your nerves steady, and make sure the right documents are in front of you when they matter.
For a structured approach to preparing for your hearing — including document organization, evidence binders, and deadline tracking — the BC Provincial Court Small Claims Guide covers every stage of the process.
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