What is a Licensed Paralegal?

A Licensed Paralegal is a legal professional regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) under a P1 licence. They are authorized to represent clients in Small Claims Court (up to $50,000), the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Provincial Offences courts, HRTO, WSIB, immigration tribunals (IRB/IAD), and more.

How much does a paralegal cost in Ontario?

NEO Legal Services charges fixed flat fees — you know the exact cost before we start. Prices range from $75 (LTB notice preparation) to $3,000+ (immigration or HRTO hearings). Initial intake consultations are always free.

Can a paralegal represent me in Small Claims Court?

Yes. LSO-licensed paralegals can represent you in Ontario Small Claims Court for claims up to $50,000. NEO Legal Services handles demand letters, pleadings, settlement conferences, and full trial representation.

Can a paralegal help with an eviction or LTB hearing?

Yes. NEO Legal Services provides full LTB representation for both landlords (L1, L2, N4–N13 notices) and tenants (T2 harassment, T6 maintenance, rent abatement) across Ontario.

Do you offer virtual consultations?

Yes. All initial consultations are available virtually via secure video or phone. Same-day intake is available for urgent matters.

What areas of Ontario do you serve?

We serve clients across all of Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Durham Region, Hamilton, Barrie, Ottawa, London, Windsor, and beyond. Our virtual-first approach means geography is rarely a barrier.

Can a paralegal help with a traffic ticket or stunt driving charge?

Yes. NEO Legal Services defends Part I, II, and III HTA offences including speeding, careless driving, stunt driving / racing, and demerit-point accumulation. Flat-fee traffic defence starts at $250.

Can a paralegal file a human rights complaint (HRTO)?

Yes. NEO Legal Services prepares and files HRTO Form 1 applications, OHRC complaints, and provides full hearing representation for workplace discrimination, harassment, and accommodation disputes.

What is the difference between a paralegal and a lawyer in Ontario?

Both are licensed and regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Licensed paralegals provide legal services within a defined scope, including Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences (traffic and by-law) matters, certain summary conviction offences, and many tribunals. Some matters, such as Superior Court actions or family court, require a lawyer. If your matter falls outside a paralegal's scope, we will tell you.

Do I have to attend court or a hearing in person?

It depends on the court or tribunal and the type of hearing. Many Small Claims, Landlord and Tenant Board and tribunal proceedings can be held by video or phone, while others are in person. We confirm the format for your matter and handle the logistics with you.

How long does a Small Claims Court case take in Ontario?

Timelines vary widely depending on the court location, how complex the claim is, and whether the other side disputes it. Some matters resolve in a few months and others take longer. We explain what to realistically expect during your free consultation.

I received an eviction notice. What should I do?

Do not ignore it, but know that a notice is not an eviction order. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can order an eviction after a hearing, and strict deadlines and rules apply to both landlords and tenants. Bring the notice to a free consultation as soon as you can so we can review your options.

I got a traffic ticket. How long do I have to respond?

Deadlines for responding to an Ontario traffic ticket are printed on the ticket itself and are generally short, often about 15 days. Missing the deadline can result in a conviction without a hearing, so check your ticket right away and contact us before it passes.

Can a paralegal help me collect an unpaid debt or invoice?

Yes, for claims within Small Claims Court limits (up to $50,000). We can prepare a demand letter, file and serve the claim, represent you at settlement conferences and trial, and help with enforcement steps. Outcomes depend on the facts and on whether the other party is able to pay.

What should I bring to my free consultation?

Bring any documents related to your matter, such as contracts, invoices, notices, tickets, emails or text messages, photos, and a short timeline of key dates. Do not worry if you do not have everything; we can tell you what is still needed.

Do you guarantee results?

No. No lawyer or paralegal can ethically guarantee the outcome of a legal matter. What we do offer is a clear fixed fee, an honest assessment of your situation, and professional representation from a licensed paralegal.

Is what I tell you confidential?

We treat the information you share with us as confidential. Please note that a paralegal-client relationship begins only once a retainer agreement has been signed, so avoid sending sensitive details through website forms until then.

Do you help clients outside the Greater Toronto Area?

Yes. We work with clients across Ontario, including Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo and Barrie. Consultations and many proceedings are handled remotely; in-person attendance outside the GTA depends on the matter, so ask us when you book.

Neo Legal Services Professional Corporation

Real Estate

When a Home Buyer Backs Out: Deposits and Damages

October 16, 2026 · Mohammed Abdul Raquib Farooqui · 2 min read

A buyer walking away from a firm deal can be very costly for them. Here is what happens to the deposit, and the seller's further claim.

Black framed eyeglasses on white book page

Once an agreement of purchase and sale is firm (any conditions have been met or waived), a buyer who fails to close is in breach of contract.

The short answer

The seller can usually keep the deposit and sue the buyer for further losses, such as a lower resale price and extra carrying costs. Sellers must try to resell at a reasonable price to keep their losses down.

The deposit

The deposit is held in trust, often by the seller's brokerage.
After a failed closing, the seller usually claims it. The brokerage may need both sides' written direction, or a court order, to release it.

Further damages

Hands holding a pen and signing a formal document on a dark surface

If the seller resells for less, they can claim the difference, plus reasonable costs such as:

extra mortgage interest, taxes and utilities while unsold;
added real estate commission and legal fees.

The deposit is credited against those damages.

The duty to mitigate

The seller must make reasonable efforts to resell, for example by relisting promptly at a market price.

Buyers: avoid it

Make your offer conditional on financing and inspection.
Get mortgage approval before you firm up.
Talk to a lawyer before missing a closing date.

Buyers who are owed money

If a seller fails to close, the buyer can also sue, and sometimes ask the court to order the sale (specific performance).

Talk to NEO

Buying, selling and title matters need a real estate lawyer. NEO can help with related money disputes in Small Claims Court and refer you for the rest. Call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, email info@neolegalservices.com, or book a free consultation.

Sources

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: black framed eyeglasses on white book page · Hands holding a pen and signing a formal document on a dark surface.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.

Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.

Book a Free Consultation

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