Small Claims Court 101 — Ontario
Ontario Small Claims Court handles civil disputes up to $35,000. It's designed to be accessible — but knowing the process can make or break your case.
What Can You Sue For?
- Unpaid invoices or debts
- Breach of contract
- Property damage
- Return of personal property
- Consumer disputes
- Contractor or service disputes
Key Facts
| Monetary limit | $35,000 (excluding interest and costs) |
| Filing fee | $102 (if claim is $2,500 or less) / $235 (over $2,500) |
| Limitation period | Generally 2 years from when you knew (or should have known) about the claim |
| Who can represent you | Yourself, a licensed paralegal, or a lawyer |
Step-by-Step Process
- Demand letter — Send a formal demand to the other party before filing. This is often required.
- File your claim — Complete a Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) and file it at the courthouse or online.
- Serve the defendant — The other party must be personally served within 6 months.
- Defence filed — The defendant has 20 days to file a Defence (Form 9A).
- Settlement conference — A mandatory pre-trial meeting with a judge to explore settlement.
- Trial — If no settlement, the case goes to trial where a judge decides.
Tips for Success
- Keep all written agreements, receipts, and communications.
- Organize evidence chronologically.
- Be respectful and concise in court — judges appreciate brevity.
- Always attend the settlement conference prepared to negotiate.
Why Hire a Paralegal?
Licensed paralegals are authorized to represent you in Small Claims Court. They know the rules of procedure, can draft persuasive claims, and handle everything from filing to enforcement — typically at a fraction of what a lawyer charges.
Have a Small Claims Court matter?
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