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Small Claims Court Help in North York & the GTA

Small Claims Court is often called Ontario's "People's Court". It is designed to be a more accessible, lower-cost forum designed for everyday civil disputes where one party is seeking money or the return of personal property.

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

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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.

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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. Since October 1, 2025, the monetary limit has been $50,000 (excluding interest and costs), which covers many common money-related disputes without the complexity, delays, or high fees of the Superior Court of Justice.

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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. Every defended case has a settlement conference, where many matters can be resolved. If a trial is needed, it is heard by a judge.

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 simpler, more cost-effective process than full civil litigation in Superior Court.

  • 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, contact me to book a consultation. We can discuss whether Small Claims may be the right route and what the next steps would be.

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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)

 

If your issue is similar to one of these and is $50,000 or less, Small Claims Court may be the right forum.

How the Process Works

  1. File the Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) — Outline your case and what you're seeking.

  2. Serve the Defendant — Give them official notice (I handle this step).

  3. Defence Filed (or Default Judgment) — If they don't respond, you may be able to ask for default judgment.

  4. Settlement Conference — A judge helps both sides try to resolve without trial (many cases resolve at this stage).

  5. Trial (if needed) — Present evidence and arguments; judge decides.
     

I take care of all paperwork, evidence preparation, negotiation at the conference, and full representation at trial — so procedural steps are handled properly and focus on the facts of your case.

Why Use a Licensed Paralegal?

  • Flat fees for basic matters, lower hourly fees for complex matters

  • Focused practice area — Small Claims Court is a core part of my practice, and I prepare forms, deadlines and settlement conference materials carefully.

  • Thorough preparation — I organize your evidence and present your case clearly at every stage.

  • Regulated & insured — Licensed and regulated by the Law Society of Ontario and covered by professional liability insurance.

  • Solo practice — You deal directly with me, at fees suited to everyday disputes.

 

If you're ready to talk through your situation and next steps, contact me to book a consultation. No pressure.

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