What Is Small Claims Court — and When Should You Use It?
What is Small Claims Court? If you’ve ever lent someone money and never got it back, paid for a service that was never properly delivered, or been left with damages and no clear solution, you might have felt stuck — unsure where to turn or whether legal action is even worth it.
This is exactly where Small Claims Court comes in.
What Is Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court is a branch of the court system designed to resolve everyday legal disputes in a faster, simpler, and more affordable way than higher courts.
In Ontario, Small Claims Court typically handles cases involving claims up to $35,000, excluding interest and costs.
As of October 1, 2025, you can bring a Small Claims Court case for amounts up to $50,000, excluding interest and legal costs.
The goal is simple:
to give individuals and small businesses a practical way to resolve disputes without complicated legal procedures.
What Kind of Issues Go to Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court is commonly used for disputes such as:
Unpaid loans or debts
Breach of contract
Property damage
Poor or incomplete services
Unpaid invoices
Security deposit disputes
Damage caused to personal property
If the issue involves money — and the amount falls within the court’s limit — Small Claims Court may be the right place.
Do You Need to Be a Lawyer to File a Claim?
No.
One of the biggest advantages of Small Claims Court is that it’s designed for regular people, not just lawyers.
That said, the process still involves:
Legal forms
Deadlines
Evidence
Proper service of documents
Court procedures
Mistakes can delay your case or even cause it to be dismissed. This is where working with a licensed paralegal can make a big difference.
Why Small Claims Court Exists
Many disputes are too important to ignore — but too small to justify the cost of a full lawsuit.
Small Claims Court exists to:
Make justice more accessible
Reduce legal costs
Resolve disputes efficiently
Allow people to represent themselves or use paralegals
It’s about fairness without unnecessary complexity.
Is Small Claims Court Worth It?
For many people, yes — especially when:
The amount owed is significant to you
Communication has failed
You want a legally binding decision
You need enforcement options if the other party refuses to pay
However, every case is different. Understanding your rights, your chances, and your options before filing is essential.
How Yousefian Paralegal Services Can Help
At Yousefian Paralegal Services, we help clients navigate Small Claims Court with clarity and confidence — from assessing whether a claim makes sense, to preparing documents, managing deadlines, and representing clients throughout the process.
Our role is to simplify the legal process and help you move forward without unnecessary stress.
→ Read more about Small Claim Court Procedure in our Office
→ Link to Small Claims Court Official Website in Ontario
FAQs
What is the maximum amount I can sue for in Ontario Small Claims Court?
As of October 1, 2025, you can sue for up to $50,000 in Ontario Small Claims Court, excluding interest and legal costs. If your claim is higher than that amount, you may need to go to Superior Court or reduce (abandon) the extra amount to stay within the Small Claims limit.
Do I need a lawyer to go to Small Claims Court in Ontario?
No. You are not required to have a lawyer. Small Claims Court is designed so individuals can represent themselves. However, many people choose to work with a licensed paralegal to avoid mistakes, prepare proper documents, and improve their chances of success.
How long does a Small Claims Court case usually take?
The timeline varies, but most Small Claims Court cases take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case, court availability, and whether the matter settles early. Many cases resolve before trial through settlement discussions or mediation.
What types of cases can be filed in Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court typically deals with money-related disputes, such as unpaid debts, breach of contract, property damage, unpaid invoices, and service disputes. It does not handle criminal cases, family law matters, or claims asking for non-monetary remedies like injunctions.
