How long does a CDRT case take from filing to decision?

A typical case takes a few weeks to a few months. Cases that settle at guided negotiation can resolve in 2–6 weeks; cases that go to full adjudication take 3–6 months end-to-end. The tribunal is required to issue written decisions within 60 days of the conclusion of a hearing, with a possible 30-day extension.

How long after I file does the corporation have to respond?

Specific response deadlines are set by the tribunal once an application is filed. The respondent corporation must reply within the period the CDRT sets. In practice, expect a few weeks before the matter moves to guided negotiation.

Can I get an expedited CDRT decision?

There is no formal expedited track. The CDRT's standard timeline is already faster than civil court — measured in months, not years. If you need urgent relief (e.g., an injunction), Court of King's Bench is the appropriate forum.

CDRT guide · Timeline

How long does a CDRT case take?

Last updated May 16, 2026

A typical Alberta CDRT case takes a few weeks to a few months from filing to decision. Cases that settle at guided negotiation can resolve in 2 to 6 weeks. Cases that go the full distance through adjudication take 3 to 6 months end-to-end.

That's dramatically faster than civil litigation. Court of King's Bench cases typically take 12 months or more from filing to trial; Civil Claims Court (small claims) cases run 6 to 18 months. The CDRT was built specifically to be faster than the alternatives.

Timeline at each stage

Stage 1: Application (Day 0)

You file your application and pay the $150 fee. The tribunal then serves the application on the respondent corporation (or you can serve them, depending on the procedure). Allow a few days for intake.

Stage 2: Response window (Days 7–30)

The corporation has a tribunal-set period to file its response. Specific deadlines vary by case but a few weeks is typical. Many cases unlock motion at this stage — once the corporation sees your documented procedural arguments in writing, some choose to settle before negotiation begins.

Stage 3: Guided negotiation (Weeks 3–8)

The tribunal facilitates a direct conversation between the parties. This is the first formal mediation-like step. Most disputes that are going to settle, settle here. Plan for 1 to 2 sessions of an hour or two each, usually online.

Stage 4: Mediation (Weeks 6–14, if negotiation fails)

If guided negotiation doesn't produce a settlement, the case moves to mediation. The first four hours of mediation are included in your application fee. Most cases that reach mediation either settle here or move to adjudication within a couple of weeks of the mediation breakdown.

Stage 5: Adjudication and decision (Months 3–6, if mediation fails)

Adjudication is a formal hearing before a tribunal member. The tribunal is required to issue a written decision within 60 days of the conclusion of the hearing, with one possible 30-day extension. Decisions are binding.

Realistic end-to-end timeline by outcome

Outcome	Typical range	Total cost
Settles at negotiation	2–6 weeks	$150
Settles at mediation	6–14 weeks	$150–$300
Adjudicated decision	3–6 months	$500+ (incl. extended mediation)

What slows a case down

Incomplete applications. If you file without your key documentary evidence, the tribunal may issue document requests that add weeks
Adjournment requests. Either party can ask to push a session; granted requests add 2 to 4 weeks per occurrence
Counter-applications. If the corporation files a counter-application (e.g., for unpaid amounts), the case grows in scope and timeline
Complex bylaw interpretation. Tribunal members may take longer to render reasons in cases involving contested interpretation

What speeds a case up

Complete documentary evidence at filing. Fine letter, bylaw, correspondence, timeline — all submitted together
Clearly articulated procedural arguments. Specific CPR section citations make tribunal review faster
Settlement openness. Cases where both sides genuinely engage in negotiation resolve in weeks, not months
Single-issue scope. Keeping the application focused on one fine and its specific procedural defects, rather than bundling multiple grievances, dramatically speeds resolution

How FineCheck helps you move faster

A FineCheck report does the analysis the tribunal would otherwise ask you to clarify mid-case. It identifies your strongest procedural arguments with specific CPR citations, provides quoted bylaw text relevant to your contravention, and gives you draft response language. Filing with this work already done is the difference between a 4-week and an 8-week negotiation stage.

Check my fine — $15