Small Claims Court Representation
Serving Windsor and Essex County, Ontario
What Is Small Claims Court in Ontario?
Small Claims Court is a branch of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that handles civil disputes involving claims of up to $50,000, excluding interest and costs. It is designed to provide a faster, more accessible process for resolving matters such as unpaid debts, breach of contract, property damage, and unpaid services.
Common Types of Small Claims Cases in Ontario
Small Claims Court in Ontario commonly handles disputes involving unpaid invoices, loan repayments, contractor disagreements, damage to property, breach of written or verbal contracts, and recovery of money owed between individuals or businesses. Claims must fall within the $50,000 monetary limit to qualify.
How a Licensed Paralegal Represents You in Small Claims Court
A licensed Ontario paralegal is authorized to represent individuals and businesses throughout the Small Claims Court process, including preparing and filing court documents, attending settlement conferences, conducting trials, and enforcing judgments. Paralegals provide legal advocacy within the scope permitted by Ontario law and as regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Small Claims Court Process in Windsor (Step‑by‑Step)
To successfully resolve a civil dispute at the Windsor Small Claims Court, a case must move through a structured legal process governed by strict provincial regulations. First, the legal action begins with filing the Plaintiff’s Claim. This involves drafting Form 7A and submitting it along with any supporting documents through the Ontario online court portal, or directly at the Windsor Court House located at 245 Windsor Avenue. Subsequently, the claim must be formally served on the defendant. This stage requires delivering the issued documents to the opposing party within the timelines set out by the Rules of the Small Claims Court.
The next phase involves waiting for the Defence. Once served with a Plaintiff's Claim, the defendant has 20 calendar days to file a Defence using Form 9A to dispute the allegations. Once a Defence is on the record, the matter moves to a mandatory settlement conference. Both parties must attend this private meeting before a judge to narrow the issues and attempt to resolve the dispute without a trial. These are typically held by video conference. Ultimately, if the matter is not settled, it proceeds to a formal trial. If the judge rules in your favour at trial, you must take active legal steps to collect the funds, utilizing enforcement tools such as garnishment or a writ of seizure and sale. We discuss these specific enforcement steps in more detail on our blog here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Claims Court
Below are answers to common questions about Small Claims Court representation in Windsor, including eligibility, monetary limits, timelines, and the role of a licensed paralegal. These responses are designed to clarify the process and help individuals understand their legal options before proceeding but are not legal advice.
You can also check out our FAQ page here.
Can a licensed paralegal represent me in Small Claims Court?
Licensed paralegals in Ontario are fully authorized by the Law Society of Ontario to provide legal representation in Small Claims Court for civil disputes under $50,000. This includes drafting claims, representing clients at settlement conferences, conducting trials, and executing post-judgment enforcement.
How long does a Small Claims Court case take in Windsor?
The timeline for a Small Claims case at the Windsor Court House (245 Windsor Avenue) typically ranges from several months to over a year. Uncontested matters move quickly, but if a defendant files a Defence and the case requires a mandatory settlement conference and a full trial, court scheduling generally pushes the resolution past the 12-month mark.
What is the monetary limit for Ontario Small Claims Court?
As of October 1, 2025, Ontario Small Claims Court has jurisdiction over claims up to $50,000, excluding interest and costs.
What types of cases can be filed in Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court handles civil disputes involving unpaid debts, breach of contract, property damage, unpaid invoices, loan repayment issues, and other monetary claims under $50,000. It does not handle criminal matters or family law disputes.