Small Claims coaching for self-represented litigants
Hourly coaching so you can run your own Small Claims case.
What is included
- Reading your documents and any claim or defence
- Explaining the steps, forms and deadlines that apply
- Pointing out strengths, gaps and evidence you may need
- Helping you value the claim and prepare to represent yourself
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
- Self-represented people who want guidance before or during a case
- Someone deciding whether a claim is worth starting
- Anyone close to the two-year deadline who needs to know where they stand
Information to have ready
- 1Any contract, invoice, receipt or quote related to the dispute
- 2Emails, texts and letters between you and the other side
- 3Photos, reports or other proof of the loss or damage
- 4The other side's full legal name and address, if you know them
- 5Any court documents you have received or filed, with the dates you got them
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $175 plus 13% HST ($197.75 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.
Does this service include going to court for me?
No. This service is a review and preparation so you can take the next steps yourself. If you later want representation, that would be a separate service agreed in writing.
What is the limitation period?
In Ontario, most claims must be started within two years of when you knew, or should have known, about the claim. Some claims have shorter deadlines.
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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