Who can use it?
- For
- Person requesting one of the registrar's authorized orders
- Court rules
- Rule 16(2)–(5); Rule 20(1) for fee exemptions
When do you need Form 16?
Use Form 16 when the registrar can deal with your request under Rule 16(2). Examples include asking to renew a claim, change certain conference dates, seek permission for another way to serve an initial claim, or request exemption from court fees. Each request has its own conditions in the rule it refers to. A request to cancel a default or dismissal order, or to change a court-ordered payment schedule, generally goes to a judge using Form 17 (Rules 16(6) and 17). Filing an application does not mean the order has been granted.
What to prepare
Identify the exact order, decision or administrative issue and the rule authorizing the request.
Use the names, addresses and court file number already on your case. Keep the documents and calculations together, and make copies for everyone who needs them. Filling in a form does not prove your case.
File the form and give copies to others
Complete Form 16 and file it at the registry under Rule 16(3). Identify exactly what you want the registrar to order and the specific rule that permits it; attach whatever that rule or the official form requires. If you have not previously filed an address for service (Form 38), Rule 16(3.1) requires you to file one and serve a copy on each other party. Other notice or service requirements depend on the type of request.
Under Rules 16(4)–(5), a registrar can refer an application to a judge, who can decide it or ask the applicant to appear. Do not assume every Form 16 is automatically decided without further steps. The provincial Filing Assistant can help prepare certain forms but cannot give legal advice.
Deadlines and fees
Timing: Deadlines depend on the particular application and rule; check the precise provision before filing.
Fees: Check for any specific service or copy fees; fees are not uniform across all applications.
If you must give a copy to another person, follow the delivery rules for that form. Write down when and how you delivered it. Filing a form with the court is different from giving it to someone else. Estimate ordinary CRT / original Court claim costs. This calculator does not cover every special form or every way to collect money after a judgment.
Watch out for this mistake
Using Form 16 to try to cancel an existing default order or change a payment schedule. Those are ordinarily applications to a judge using Form 17, not registrar applications under Rule 16(2).
Check the current fee, courthouse and hearing instructions. Small-claims procedures can differ at Vancouver Robson Square and Richmond.