Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is Ontario's "People's Court" — a fast, affordable, and straightforward forum designed for everyday civil disputes where one party is seeking money or the return of personal property.

It handles claims up to $50,000 (excluding interest and costs), making it ideal for common issues like unpaid debts, breached contracts, faulty goods or services, property damage, or certain wrongful dismissal claims.

The process is simpler than higher courts: fewer formal rules, quicker hearings, lower fees, and a focus on practical resolutions rather than complex legal battles.

It's built for regular Ontarians to resolve real-life money problems without the expense or delays of the Superior Court.

Ontario's Small Claims Court

Ontario's Small Claims Court is the practical, low-cost way for everyday people to resolve civil disputes involving money or the return of personal property. As of October 2025, the limit is $50,000 (excluding interest and costs), making it the right place for most common money-related problems without the complexity, delays, or high fees of the Superior Court of Justice.

The process is designed to be accessible: simplified rules, lower filing fees, quicker timelines, and a focus on real resolutions rather than technical legal battles. Many cases settle at the mandatory settlement conference, and trials — when needed — are straightforward and judge-led.

Is Small Claims Court Right for You?

Small Claims is usually a good fit if:

Your claim is for money owed or the return of personal property (not real estate title disputes).
The amount is $50,000 or less.
You want a faster, more affordable path than hiring a lawyer for full civil litigation.
You're okay with a simpler process where you (or your paralegal) present evidence directly to a judge.

If any of this sounds like your situation, a quick free consult with me will confirm whether Small Claims is the best route — and whether it's worth pursuing.

What Types of Claims Are Most Common?

Here are the most common types of disputes handled:

Unpaid debts, loans, invoices, or NSF cheques
Breach of contract (e.g., services not delivered, work not completed properly)
Faulty goods or poor workmanship (e.g., bad repairs, defective products)
Property damage (e.g., car accidents, neighbour disputes, landlord damage to tenant belongings)
Consumer issues (e.g., undelivered goods, misrepresentation in sales)
Unpaid rent arrears or security deposit disputes (when not under LTB jurisdiction)
Personal injury damages (limited scope and amounts)
Wrongful dismissal claims (pay in lieu of notice, limited to monetary relief)

These examples cover the vast majority of filings. If your issue matches one of these and stays under the $50,000 cap, Small Claims is built exactly for it.

How the Process Works

File the Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) — Outline your case and what you're seeking.
Serve the Defendant — Give them official notice (I handle this step).
Defence Filed (or Default Judgment) — If they don't respond, you may win by default.
Settlement Conference — A judge helps both sides try to resolve without trial (most cases settle here).
Trial (if needed) — Present evidence and arguments; judge decides.

We take care of all paperwork, evidence preparation, negotiation at the conference, and full representation at trial — so you avoid procedural mistakes and focus on the facts of your case.

Why Use a Licensed Paralegal!

Flat fees for basic matters, lower hourly fees for complex matters
SCC specialization — We know the forms, deadlines, judge preferences, and negotiation tactics inside out.
Better results — Strong evidence prep and advocacy often lead to higher settlements or full awards.
Regulated & insured — Full Law Society of Ontario oversight, same professional standards as lawyers.
No big-firm overhead — You get dedicated, responsive help at a price that makes sense for everyday disputes.

Don't navigate Small Claims alone or overpay for help you don't need. If you're ready to review your situation, claim viability, and realistic next steps, contact us. We will give you straight answers — no obligation, no pressure.