Licensed Paralegal for Small Claims Court in Ontario — Claims Up to $35,000

Most people who have a legitimate legal dispute — an unpaid debt, a broken contract, property damage caused by someone else — assume they need an expensive lawyer to do something about it. They don’t.

In Ontario, Small Claims Court exists precisely for these situations. And a licensed paralegal can represent you every step of the way, from filing your claim all the way through to trial — at a fraction of the cost of a law firm.

Novelette Graham of Assured Legal Services is a licensed paralegal (LSO #P095688) with experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in Small Claims Court across Ontario. Whether you are owed money and want to collect, or someone is suing you and you need to defend yourself, Novelette is ready to help.

Free consultation available. In-person (Guelph) and virtual appointments across Ontario.

What Is Small Claims Court in Ontario?

Small Claims Court is a division of the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario. It is designed to resolve civil disputes in a more accessible, streamlined way than higher courts — without the formality and expense of a full lawsuit.

Key facts about Ontario Small Claims Court:

Maximum claim: $35,000 (not including interest and costs)
Governed by the Rules of the Small Claims Court (Ontario Regulation 258/98)
You can be represented by a licensed paralegal — you do not need a lawyer
Court fees are relatively modest — filing a Plaintiff’s Claim costs $102 to $229 depending on claim amount
Limitation period: generally two years from the date you knew or ought to have known about the claim (Limitations Act, 2002)

What Small Claims Court cannot handle: claims over $35,000, real estate title disputes, family law matters, criminal charges, or injunctions. If your claim exceeds $35,000, you may wish to consider limiting it to $35,000 to use this court, or pursue the matter in a higher court with a lawyer.

Types of Claims Novelette Can Help You With

Unpaid Debts and Invoices

You provided a service, delivered goods, or lent money — and you have not been paid. Whether you are an individual or a small business, Novelette can help you file a claim and pursue what you are owed. Unpaid invoices, outstanding loans, bounced cheques, and broken payment agreements are all recoverable through Small Claims Court when properly documented.

Breach of Contract

A contract was made — written or verbal — and the other party did not hold up their end of the deal. Novelette can help you build a breach of contract claim that clearly establishes what was agreed, what was not delivered, and what your losses are as a result. Contract disputes between businesses, between individuals, and between businesses and consumers are all within Small Claims jurisdiction.

Property Damage Claims

Someone damaged your vehicle, your home, your belongings, or your property — and they are not taking responsibility. Whether it’s a neighbour, a contractor, or a person who caused an accident, Novelette can help you document the damage and pursue compensation through Small Claims Court.

Consumer Protection Matters

Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act provides strong rights for consumers who have been misled, overcharged, or sold defective goods or services. If a business made false representations, failed to deliver what was promised, or engaged in unfair practices, Novelette can help you pursue a claim under consumer protection legislation.

Contractor and Renovation Disputes

A contractor took your deposit and disappeared. A renovation was done improperly and you paid for work that was never completed or was done below standard. These are among the most common Small Claims matters in Ontario — and among the most winnable when properly documented. Novelette helps clients organize evidence, calculate losses, and present a compelling case.

Vehicle and Auto Disputes

Used car sales that did not disclose known defects. Mechanics who charged for repairs that were never performed. Private sale agreements that fell apart. Vehicle-related disputes are common Small Claims matters, and Novelette has the experience to help you navigate them.

Landlord and Tenant Civil Damage Claims

While most landlord and tenant disputes are handled at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), some civil damage claims — particularly where the amount sought exceeds LTB jurisdiction or involves different legal issues — may be appropriate for Small Claims Court. Novelette can advise you on which forum is right for your situation.

Are You Being Sued? Defending a Small Claims Claim

Receiving a Plaintiff’s Claim is alarming — but ignoring it is the worst thing you can do. If you do not file a Defence within 20 days of being served, the plaintiff can obtain a default judgment against you without a hearing. That judgment can be enforced against your wages, your bank account, and your property.

Novelette can help defendants:

Review the claim and assess its merits
Prepare and file a Defence (Form 9A) properly and on time
File a Defendant’s Claim if you have a counter-claim against the plaintiff
Prepare for the Settlement Conference
Represent you at trial if no settlement is reached

Do not assume a claim against you is valid just because it exists. Many claims have weaknesses, errors, or lack the evidence needed to succeed at trial. Novelette will give you an honest assessment of your position at the free consultation.

Enforcing a Small Claims Judgment

A judgment in your favour is only valuable if you can collect on it. Unfortunately, some defendants do not pay voluntarily. When that happens, Ontario law provides several enforcement tools — and Novelette can help you use them.

Examination of Judgment Debtor: Bring the debtor before the court to answer questions about their assets and income under oath
Garnishment of Wages: Intercept a portion of the debtor’s wages directly from their employer
Garnishment of Bank Accounts: Freeze and collect funds from the debtor’s bank accounts
Writ of Seizure and Sale: Register the judgment against the debtor’s real property

Enforcement requires its own procedural steps and forms. Novelette can guide you through the process and ensure your judgment is pursued effectively.

Why Hire a Paralegal for Small Claims Court?

Some people represent themselves in Small Claims Court — and some succeed. But the process is more technical than most people expect. Judges cannot give you legal advice from the bench. If you do not know the rules of evidence, how to present your case, or what legal arguments apply to your situation, you may lose a case you should have won.

Here is what Novelette brings to your Small Claims matter:

Knowledge of the Rules of the Small Claims Court — no procedural surprises

Experience preparing Plaintiff's Claims, Defences, and Settlement Conference briefs

Understanding of what evidence matters and how to present it effectively

Ability to identify weaknesses in the opposing party's case

Negotiation skills at the Settlement Conference to secure fair resolutions

Court representation — you do not have to face the courtroom alone

And importantly: Novelette’s fees are transparent and proportionate. For most Small Claims matters, the cost of representation is a fraction of the amount at stake — and significantly less than hiring a lawyer.

The Small Claims Court Process — Step by Step

Here is how a typical Small Claims matter unfolds, and what Novelette does at each stage:

Step 1 — Free Consultation: Novelette reviews your situation, assesses the strength of your claim or defence, identifies your evidence, and advises on the best approach.
Step 2 — Plaintiff’s Claim (Form 7A): Novelette prepares and files your claim with the correct court. The claim is served on the defendant in accordance with the Rules of the Small Claims Court.
Step 3 — Defence or Default: If the defendant files a Defence, the matter proceeds. If not, Novelette moves for a default judgment on your behalf.
Step 4 — Settlement Conference: A mandatory meeting before a judge where parties are encouraged to resolve the matter without a trial. Novelette prepares a compelling settlement brief and represents you at the conference.
Step 5 — Trial (if needed): If no settlement is reached, Novelette prepares your evidence bundle, witnesses, and legal arguments and represents you at trial before a Deputy Judge.
Step 6 — Judgment: If you win, you receive a judgment. Novelette explains exactly what the judgment means and what comes next.
Step 7 — Enforcement (if needed): Winning a judgment and collecting are two different things. Novelette can assist with enforcement steps if the other party does not pay voluntarily.

Serving Small Claims Clients Across Ontario

Small Claims Court locations regularly served include:

Superior Court of Justice — Guelph (1 Wyndham Street North)
Superior Court of Justice — Kitchener (85 Frederick Street)
Superior Court of Justice — Cambridge
Superior Court of Justice — Milton (491 Steeles Avenue East)
Superior Court of Justice — Brampton (7755 Hurontario Street)
Toronto Small Claims Court (47 Sheppard Avenue East / 47 Grosvenor Street)
Superior Court of Justice — Mississauga (950 Burnhamthorpe Road West)
Superior Court of Justice — Newmarket (50 Eagle Street West — serving Vaughan)

Virtual consultations are available for clients anywhere in Ontario. The consultation, file preparation, and much of the process can be handled remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions — Small Claims Court Ontario

How much does it cost to file in Small Claims Court in Ontario?

Court filing fees range from approximately $102 for claims up to $1,000 to $229 for claims between $10,001 and $35,000. These fees are set by the province and are separate from Novelette’s professional fees. The winning party can typically ask the court to order the losing party to pay a portion of their costs.

What is the maximum claim in Ontario Small Claims Court?

$35,000, not including prejudgment interest and costs. If your claim is higher, you may choose to limit it to $35,000 to use Small Claims Court, or pursue the full amount in a higher court.

Do I need a lawyer for Small Claims Court in Ontario?

No. In Ontario, a licensed paralegal can represent you in Small Claims Court. You can also represent yourself. However, the process has strict rules and deadlines, and professional representation significantly improves your chances of success.

How long does Small Claims Court take in Ontario?

Timelines vary depending on the courthouse and whether the matter settles. Many matters resolve at or before the Settlement Conference stage. If a trial is needed, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on the specific court location and scheduling.

What happens if I win but the defendant doesn't pay?

You will need to enforce your judgment using tools such as garnishment, examination of judgment debtor, or a writ of seizure and sale. These steps require additional court applications and procedures. Novelette can assist with enforcement after judgment.

What is the deadline to sue someone in Ontario?

Generally, you have two years from the date you knew or ought to have known about the claim (Limitations Act, 2002). Do not delay — if you miss the limitation period, your claim may be statute-barred and unenforceable.

What is a Settlement Conference?

A Settlement Conference is a mandatory meeting before a judge at which both parties are encouraged to resolve the matter without going to trial. It is not a full hearing — it is an opportunity to negotiate. Novelette prepares a detailed brief and represents you at this stage.

Can I sue for emotional distress in Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court focuses on financial and property damages. Claims for pure emotional distress without accompanying financial loss are generally difficult to succeed on. Novelette can assess whether your situation gives rise to a compensable claim during the free consultation.

Don't Walk Into Court Alone — Book Your Free Consultation

If you are owed money, dealing with a broken contract, or being sued for something you dispute, do not wait. Limitation periods are strict, and the earlier you get advice, the better positioned you are.

Novelette offers a free, no-obligation consultation. You will leave knowing exactly what your options are and what the process looks like.