In Manitoba, small claims up to $15,000 run inside the Court of King's Bench, usually before a hearing officer, with a review route to a judge. This guide covers filing, serving, the evidence that proves an unpaid loan, and the limitation clock.
Recovering a loan in Manitoba comes with a surprise: there's no separate small claims court to go to. Manitoba handles small claims inside its superior court, the Court of King's Bench, but through a deliberately simplified process you can use without a lawyer — decided by a hearing officer rather than in a formal trial. Here's how it works.
Manitoba is the odd one out: it has no standalone small claims court. Instead, small claims run inside the Court of King's Bench, heard by a hearing officer under a simplified procedure, with a right of review to a judge. The limit is $15,000.
Manitoba's unusual setup
In most provinces "small claims court" is a distinct court. Manitoba folds the function into its superior court — the Court of King's Bench — but applies a stripped-down, self-representation-friendly process. Your case is decided by a hearing officer, not a robed judge in a formal trial, which keeps things accessible despite the imposing court name.
The $15,000 limit
Manitoba's small claims process covers monetary disputes up to $15,000 — unpaid debts and loans, breach of contract, property damage, and the like. If your loan exceeds the limit, it doesn't disappear; it simply proceeds as an ordinary King's Bench action with fuller procedure. (Manitoba has publicly discussed lifting this ceiling, so confirm the figure before you file.)
Filing and the hearing officer
You file your claim with the Court of King's Bench, setting out the borrower, the amount, and the facts of the loan, with your supporting documents. The matter is then set before a hearing officer, who hears both sides in a less formal setting and renders a decision. Bring your proof the money moved and was understood as a loan.
The review right
If either party is unhappy with the hearing officer's decision, Manitoba allows a review by a King's Bench judge within set time limits. This two-level structure — quick hearing first, judicial review available — is a defining feature of how Manitoba handles small claims.
Enforcement
A decision in your favour becomes enforceable like any King's Bench judgment, through garnishment or seizure. As always, the order is your authority to collect — actually recovering the money may require pursuing the debtor's wages, accounts, or assets.
Common questions
Does Manitoba have a separate small claims court?
No — and that's its quirk. Manitoba runs small claims inside the Court of King's Bench, where claims are heard by a hearing officer using a simplified procedure rather than by a judge in a formal trial. It's designed to be used without a lawyer.
How much can I claim in Manitoba?
Up to $15,000 through the King's Bench small claims process. (Manitoba has discussed raising this — confirm the current limit with the court before filing.) Above the limit, the matter proceeds as a regular King's Bench action.
What if I disagree with the hearing officer?
Manitoba's structure includes a right to have the hearing officer's decision reviewed by a King's Bench judge, within the time limits the rules set. That review step is part of what makes Manitoba's process distinctive.
Strong evidence makes the hearing simple
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Create my loan agreement →General information for Manitoba, not legal advice; LendRight is not a law firm. Manitoba's small claims limit and procedure can change — confirm current details with the Court of King's Bench before filing.
We write plain-language guides on lending between family and friends in Canada, reviewed against current provincial and CRA rules. LendRight is not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice.