Request to clerk for default judgment (liquidated claim)
Default judgment from the clerk for a debt or fixed amount.
A defendant usually has 20 days after being served to file a defence; after that, the plaintiff may ask to have them noted in default. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
Checking that the claim was properly served and the defence deadline has passed
Preparing the request to note the defendant in default
Requesting default judgment from the clerk for a debt or other fixed amount
Preparing evidence for an assessment hearing or written motion when a judge must decide the amount
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
1The issued claim and the affidavit of service
2Invoices, contracts or other proof of the amount owed
3Any payments received from the defendant
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is $200 plus 13% HST ($226.00 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.
What if the defendant never responds?+
Once the deadline passes, the defendant may be noted in default. For a debt or other fixed amount the clerk may sign default judgment; otherwise a judge decides the amount at an assessment hearing or on a written motion.
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.