Small Claims Court

The Ontario Small Claims Court primarily handles civil disputes within a certain monetary range, including debt collection, contract disputes, and property damage, providing individuals and businesses with a relatively straightforward and practical means of dispute resolution.

The Small Claims Court primarily handles civil disputes involving claims of up to 50,000 Canadian dollars, including debt collection, contract disputes, property damage, and the return of property. Although the procedures are more streamlined than those in ordinary civil litigation, every stage—from filing a complaint, filing a defense, preparing evidence, and attending settlement conferences to the trial—can affect the outcome of the case.

Based on our clients’ specific circumstances, we assist you in analyzing the facts and evidence of your case, understanding your rights and available resolution options, and navigating the relevant procedures in small claims court. We focus not only on the litigation itself but also take into account the amount in dispute, time, and legal costs, adopting a pragmatic approach to resolve disputes and protect our clients’ legitimate rights and interests.

We cover

Our Attorneys

Our top commercial lawyers will provide you with sound advice.

Plaintiff's Counsel

If someone owes you money, has breached a contract, or has caused you property or financial loss through their actions, you may consider seeking compensation or other appropriate relief through small claims court. Before formally filing a claim, it is important to understand the facts of the case, determine whether there is sufficient evidence, assess the amount of the claim, and consider the costs of litigation. We will review the relevant documents and evidence based on your specific circumstances, analyze the legal basis for your claim and any potential issues, assist in determining the appropriate scope and amount of your claim, and prepare and file the Plaintiff’s Claim. From filing the claim and serving documents to settlement conferences and court hearings, we can provide legal assistance at various stages of the case and, based on its progress, consider whether to pursue a settlement or continue with litigation. Our plaintiff representation services include, but are not limited to: - Reviewing the facts of the case, contracts, payment records, correspondence, and other relevant documents - Analyzing the legal basis for the claim and related issues such as the statute of limitations - Assessing the amount of the claim and the legal remedies that may be sought - Preparing and filing the Plaintiff’s Claim - Assisting with the service of process and handling related procedures - Organizing, reviewing, and preparing relevant evidence - Reviewing the defendant’s defense and other materials - Conducting settlement negotiations and participating in settlement conferences - Preparing trial materials and representing the client in court - Handling other relevant Small Claims Court procedures as the case progresses

Defense Counsel

If you receive a complaint from small claims court, it is crucial to promptly understand the nature of the claim, your rights, and the deadline for filing a response. We will carefully review the opposing party’s claim and related evidence, analyze potential defenses based on the facts of the case, assist you in preparing your response, and consider settlement or defense strategies based on the circumstances of the case. From the time you receive the complaint through settlement conferences and court hearings, we can provide legal assistance at various stages of the Small Claims Court proceedings, helping you clearly understand the progress of your case and effectively protect your legal rights and interests. Our representation services for defendants include, but are not limited to: - Reviewing and responding to the plaintiff’s claims - Analyzing grounds for defense, preparing, and filing a response - Assessing whether to file a counterclaim or other related requests - Organizing, reviewing, and submitting relevant evidence - Settlement negotiations and settlement conferences - Trial preparation and representation in court

Execution Program

Enforcement of Judgments Obtaining a judgment from the Small Claims Court does not necessarily mean that payment will be received automatically. If the judgment debtor fails to pay voluntarily in accordance with the judgment, the prevailing party may need to take further enforcement measures. Based on the debtor’s income, bank accounts, assets, and other relevant circumstances, we can assist clients in analyzing appropriate enforcement methods and handling the related judgment enforcement procedures. Before taking enforcement measures, we also consider enforcement costs, the debtor’s ability to pay, and the likelihood of actually recovering the funds, helping clients choose the most practical and effective course of action. Our judgment enforcement services include, but are not limited to: - Reviewing court judgments and confirming outstanding amounts - Communicating with the judgment debtor regarding payment or negotiating repayment arrangements - Assisting in understanding and investigating the debtor’s income, bank accounts, and assets subject to enforcement - Applying for a garnishment order to enforce against wages, bank accounts, or funds owed to the debtor by third parties, where applicable - Handling applicable enforcement procedures, such as a Writ of Seizure and Sale - Apply for and prepare an Examination of the Debtor to ascertain the debtor’s income, assets, debts, and financial status - Prepare, file, and serve court documents related to enforcement - Assess whether to take further enforcement measures based on information obtained during the enforcement process