Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

​

1. Where are you located?

2. What areas do you serve?

​3. How is a paralegal different from a lawyer in Ontario?

4. Do you provide notary services in Windsor?

5. ​When should I contact a paralegal?

6. What should I bring to a consultation?

7. What notary public services are available in Windsor?

8. What does it mean to have a document notarized in Ontario?

9. How much does it cost to hire a paralegal in Windsor, Ontario?

​

​​

​​

Landlord Tenant Board (Residential Tenancies Act) Questions

​​

10. Can a paralegal represent me at the Landlord and Tenant Board?

11. What does a paralegal do in landlord‑tenant disputes?

12. Can you review a residential lease?

13. How do I evict a tenant for non-payment of rent in Ontario?

14. Are security deposits allowed in Ontario?

15. What is the difference between a guideline rent increase and an above-guideline rent increase in Ontario?

16. When can a landlord use Form N12?

17. What is a Form N5?

​

​​

​​

​​

Small Claims Court Questions

​​

18. Do I need a lawyer or a paralegal for Small Claims Court in Ontario?

19. What is the monetary limit for Small Claims Court in Ontario?

20. What types of cases can a paralegal handle in Small Claims Court?

21. How long does Small Claims Court take in Ontario?

22. How do I start a Small Claims Court claim in Ontario?

​23. How can I get help with my Small Claims Court case?

24. How do I enforce a Small Claims Court judgment?

​​

​​

​

​

​

General Questions​​​

​​

Where are you located?

 

Sparling Paralegal is located at:

1368 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 402
Windsor, Ontario N8X 1J9

​

We serve clients in Windsor‑Essex and across Ontario, including remote representation where permitted.

​

What areas do you serve?

 

For Small Claims Court matters, we serve Windsor, Chatham, and London.

​

For Landlord and Tenant Board matters under the Residential Tenancies Act, we represent landlords and tenants throughout Ontario.

​

How is a paralegal different from a lawyer in Ontario?

 

In Ontario, both lawyers and licensed paralegals are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

​

Lawyers may provide legal services in all areas of law. Licensed paralegals are authorized to represent clients in specific areas defined by regulation, including Small Claims Court (up to $50,000), Landlord and Tenant Board matters, provincial offences, and certain administrative tribunals.

​

The appropriate professional depends on the type of legal issue involved.

​

Do you provide notary services in Windsor?

 

Yes. We provide Notary Public and commissioning services by appointment in Windsor, Ontario.

​

Services include affidavits, statutory declarations, certified true copies, and signature witnessing within the permitted scope of practice.

​

When should I contact a paralegal?

 

You should contact a licensed paralegal as soon as you receive a ticket, claim, notice, or legal application — or when a dispute begins to develop.

​

Early advice helps protect deadlines and procedural rights.

​

What should I bring to a consultation?

 

Bring all relevant documents, including:

- Leases or tenancy agreements

- Notices (N4, N5, N12)

- Small Claims Court forms

- Contracts or invoices

- Emails or written communications

- Photographs or supporting evidence

 

What notary public services are available in Windsor?

 

We provide:

- Affidavits

- Statutory declarations

- Certified true copies

- Signature verification

- Letters of invitation

- Travel consent letters

 

We do not draft Wills or Powers of Attorney.

​

What does it mean to have a document notarized in Ontario?

 

To have a document notarized in Ontario means a licensed Notary Public verifies identity, witnesses a signature, administers an oath or solemn declaration, or certifies that a copy is a true copy of the original document.

 

A Notary Public confirms identity and witnessing requirements but does not validate the legal effect of the document unless separately retained within their permitted scope of practice.

​

How much does it cost to hire a paralegal in Windsor, Ontario?

 

Fees depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. Flat fees may be available for certain services, while other matters are billed hourly.

 

All fees are discussed in advance before work begins.

​

​

Landlord and Tenant Board (Residential Tenancies Act) Questions

​

Can a paralegal represent me at the Landlord and Tenant Board?

 

Yes. Licensed paralegals may represent landlords and tenants before the Landlord and Tenant Board under the Residential Tenancies Act.

 

Services may include preparing notices and applications, negotiating settlements, and attending hearings.

​

What does a paralegal do in landlord‑tenant disputes?

 

A paralegal may assist with:

- Preparing and serving notices (N4, N5, N12)

- Filing Landlord and Tenant Board applications

- Reviewing leases for compliance

- Negotiating settlements

- Representing parties at hearings

​

Can you review a residential lease?

 

Yes. We review residential leases for compliance with Ontario’s standard form lease and the Residential Tenancies Act.

​

How do I evict a tenant for non-payment of rent in Ontario?

 

To evict a tenant for non-payment of rent in Ontario, a landlord must first serve an N4 Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent under the Residential Tenancies Act.

​

If the tenant does not pay within the notice period, the landlord may file an L1 Application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Strict service rules and statutory timelines apply.

​

For more information, read our blog article on evicting a tenant for non-payment of rent in Ontario.

 

Are security deposits allowed in Ontario?

​

Damage deposits are not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act.

 

Landlords may collect a last month’s rent deposit equal to one month’s rent.

 

For more information, read our blog article on last month’s rent deposits in Ontario.

​

What is the difference between a guideline rent increase and an above-guideline rent increase in Ontario?

 

A guideline rent increase is the annual percentage set by the Ontario government that most landlords may apply once every 12 months with proper notice.

​

An above-guideline rent increase (AGI) exceeds that percentage and requires approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board based on statutory grounds.

​

For more information, read our blog article on guideline and above-guideline rent increases in Ontario.

​

When can a landlord use Form N12?

 

Form N12 may be used when a landlord, certain family members, or a purchaser intends to move into the rental unit as a primary residence.

 

Notice periods and compensation requirements apply.

 

For more detail, read our blog article on Form N12 notices in Ontario.

​

What is a Form N5?

 

A Form N5 is a notice to end a tenancy for cause, typically involving damage, interference with reasonable enjoyment, or overcrowding. In many cases, the tenant has an opportunity to correct the issue within a specified period.

​

​

Small Claims Court Questions

 

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

 

For claims within the Small Claims Court monetary limit, you may retain either a lawyer or a licensed paralegal.

Licensed paralegals are authorized to represent clients in Small Claims Court matters within the court’s jurisdiction.

​

What is the monetary limit for Small Claims Court in Ontario?

 

The monetary limit for Small Claims Court in Ontario is $50,000, excluding interest and costs.

Claims exceeding this amount generally proceed in the Superior Court of Justice unless the excess amount is abandoned.

​

What types of cases can a paralegal handle in Small Claims Court?

 

Examples include:

- Unpaid invoices

- Breach of contract

- Property damage

- Loan repayment disputes

​

How long does Small Claims Court take in Ontario?

 

Timelines vary depending on court scheduling and case complexity. Delays may occur, and parties should prepare accordingly.

​

How do I start a Small Claims Court claim in Ontario?

 

A Plaintiff’s Claim must be prepared, filed with the court, and properly served in accordance with the Rules of the Small Claims Court.

​

How can I get help with my Small Claims Court case?

 

We assist with drafting claims or defences, preparing evidence, negotiating settlement, and court representation within our permitted scope of practice.

​

How do I enforce a Small Claims Court judgment?

 

If payment is not made voluntarily, enforcement options may include garnishment or debtor examinations in accordance with court procedures.

​

For more information, read our blog article on enforcing a Small Claims Court judgment in Ontario.

​

​

​​