Small Claims Court in Ontario: What to Expect
Small Claims Court is designed to be more accessible than the Superior Court, but procedure, evidence, and settlement still matter.
Is this the right court?
Small Claims Court hears many money disputes up to the current monetary limit. Confirm the limit and whether another forum — such as a tribunal — is a better fit before you file.
The usual path
- Plaintiff’s Claim setting out who you are suing and why
- Service on the other party using an accepted method
- Defence, and sometimes a Defendants’ Claim
- Settlement conference, then a trial if the matter does not resolve
Preparation tips
Organize a timeline, contracts, invoices, messages, and photos. Know what you are asking for and why. Settlement conferences are a real opportunity to resolve the file without a trial.
Costs and time
There are filing fees, and the process can take months. A realistic view of what you might recover — and what it will take to collect — should be part of the decision to sue.
This article is general information about Ontario Small Claims Court, not legal advice. Limits, forms, and timelines change. Contact us if you need help preparing or defending a claim.