How to File in Small Claims Court in Ontario

Small Claims Court in Ontario handles civil disputes up to $35,000. It's designed to be accessible to people without legal training, though having a lawyer or paralegal can significantly improve your chances of success.

What Can You Claim?

Small claims court handles money disputes including:

• Unpaid invoices or loans
• Property damage
• Contractor disputes (incomplete or poor work)
• Security deposit disputes (beyond LTB jurisdiction)
• Breach of contract claims up to $35,000

How to Start a Claim

1. Complete a Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) available at the courthouse or online
2. File it at the Small Claims Court in the jurisdiction where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred
3. Pay the filing fee — $102 for claims up to $1,000, $204 for claims up to $10,000, $404 for claims over $10,000
4. Serve the claim on the defendant within 6 months of filing

The Settlement Conference

Most cases go to a mandatory settlement conference before trial — a judge-led meeting where both sides attempt to resolve the dispute. Many cases settle here. If not, the matter proceeds to trial.

The Trial

Small claims trials are informal compared to Superior Court. You present your evidence (documents, photos, witnesses), the other side responds, and a judge decides. Decisions are typically issued within a few weeks of trial.

Collecting Your Judgment

Winning a judgment doesn't mean automatic payment. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you may need to garnish their wages or bank account, or seize and sell their personal property.