Appeals from tribunals and Small Claims (over $5,000), and judicial review.
A notice of appeal is usually due within 30 days of the order, and a motion for leave to appeal to the Divisional Court within 15 days; the lawyer confirms your deadline, so act quickly. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews the decision and the record for possible grounds of appeal
Confirms which court hears the appeal and whether leave is needed
Files the notice of appeal or leave motion and orders transcripts
Prepares the appeal book, compendium and factum
Argues the appeal, or responds to one brought by the other side
What is not included
Court fees, transcripts, reports from accountants or other professionals, and other disbursements
Any costs a court orders you to pay the other side
An appeal or steps to enforce a judgment, unless the lawyer agrees to them in writing
Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
Parties who disagree with a civil court decision
Respondents to an appeal
Organizations seeking to intervene in an appeal
Information to have ready
1The order or judgment and the reasons
2The date of the decision
3The pleadings, evidence and transcripts from the original hearing
4Any costs order made
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
Lawyers usually charge $350–$700/hr for this kind of work, by the hour. The lawyer quotes the actual rate and an estimate. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is the difference between Small Claims Court and the Superior Court?+
Small Claims Court hears money claims up to $50,000 with simpler procedures. Larger claims, injunctions and many other remedies go to the Superior Court of Justice.
Can I be ordered to pay the other side's legal costs?+
Yes. In the Superior Court the successful party is often awarded part of its legal costs. The lawyer explains how offers to settle can affect costs.
Is mediation required?+
Under the current rules, mandatory mediation applies to most civil actions in Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor, and mediation is often worth considering elsewhere. Ontario's civil court rules are being reformed, so the lawyer confirms which steps apply to your case.
Can a lawyer help with only part of my case?+
Some lawyers offer limited scope help, such as drafting a pleading or arguing one motion. The lawyer confirms in writing which parts they will do.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No outcome can be guaranteed; the court decides contested issues
You may have to pay part of the other side's costs if you are unsuccessful
Limitation periods and court deadlines keep running while you choose a lawyer