Mediation of a Small Claims dispute
Representing you at a private mediation before or during the action.
What is included
- Preparing your documents, witness list and evidence brief
- Serving documents on the other side before the conference or trial
- Preparing you and your witnesses for what to expect
- Representing you at the conference, mediation, trial or hearing for the time in your service
- Making settlement proposals and submissions on costs
What is not included
- Court filing fees, process servers, searches and other disbursements
- Steps beyond the service you chose, such as a trial when the service covers documents only
- Enforcing a judgment, such as garnishment or a writ, unless your service is an enforcement step
- An appeal to the Divisional Court, where a licensed paralegal may not act
- Claims over $50,000 or other matters that belong in the Superior Court of Justice
Who this service is for
- Someone owed money or property worth up to $50,000
- A person or business served with a Small Claims claim
- Small business owners with unpaid invoices or contract disputes
- Anyone who wants help with one step, such as a motion or a settlement conference
Information to have ready
- 1Your claim or defence and all court documents so far
- 2Originals or clear copies of the documents you rely on
- 3Names and contact details for your witnesses
- 4The notice with the conference, mediation or trial date
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $450 plus 13% HST ($508.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Is a settlement conference the same as a trial?
No. A settlement conference is a private meeting with a judge who helps the parties try to settle and narrows the issues. If the case does not settle, a trial is held later before a different judge.
Do my witnesses have to come?
A witness who will not come voluntarily can be served with a summons to witness, which requires them to attend the trial.
Can a licensed paralegal represent me at trial?
Yes. Licensed paralegals in Ontario may represent parties at Small Claims Court trials and settlement conferences.
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, and a judgment may still need separate enforcement to be collected
- Limited to claims within the Small Claims Court limit of $50,000
- You must give documents and instructions in time to meet court deadlines
- An appeal of a Small Claims Court judgment is heard by the Divisional Court, where a licensed paralegal may not act, so for an appeal the firm does only the parts a licensed paralegal is permitted to do and refers the appeal itself to a lawyer.
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