S M A L L
C L A I M S
Contract disputes
Unpaid invoices
Unpaid loans or IOUs
Property damage
Services not rendered
Breach of agreement
Debt recovery
Failure to refund deposits
Misrepresentation
Negligence claims
Common Disputes
Preparing Plaintiff’s Claims
Preparing Defences & Defendant’s Claims
Examination Hearings
Drafting demand letters
Reviewing and organizing evidence
Preparing affidavits and exhibits
Communicating with the other party
Settlement discussions
Motions and procedural steps
Preparing for hearings and trials
Assisting with judgment enforcement (garnishment, writs, etc.)
How I can help?
1. Intake
Understanding the issue, gathering documents, and exploring settlement options.
2. Filing the claim or defence
Ensuring forms are accurate and submitted properly.
3. Serving the other party
Skip tracing is available only for legal matters if the party cannot be located.
4. Settlement conference
A mandatory meeting to discuss resolution.
5. Motions or additional steps
If required to address evidence or procedure.
6. Trial preparation
Organizing documents, exhibits, and key facts.
7. Judgment enforcement
If the other party does not comply with the judgment.
What to Expect?
F A Q
1. What is the Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court handles civil disputes up to $50,000. These cases are generally about money owed, property damage, contract issues, and unpaid services. Each jurisdiction has its own court, and each claim's court location depends on the defendant's location or the location of the cause of action (the reason you are suing).
2. What types of cases can be filed in Small Claims Court?
Unpaid invoices or loans
Breach of contract
Property damage
Services not rendered
Debt recovery
Failure to refund deposits
If your matter involves a financial loss under $50,000, it may qualify.
3. Do I need a paralegal for Small Claims Court?
You are not required to hire a representative, but many people choose to because Small Claims Court has strict rules, deadlines, and evidence requirements. A paralegal can help ensure your documents are prepared correctly and submitted on time. A paralegal can help ensure you negotiate the best outcome for your situation.
4. How long does a Small Claims case take?
Timelines vary depending on the court’s schedule, the complexity of the matter, and whether the parties attempt settlement. Many cases resolve at the Settlement Conference, but others may proceed to trial. Most cases take up to 6-18 months from start to settlement/trial.
5. How much does it cost to start a claim?
The Small Claims Court has set filing fees depending on the step your case requires. The fee to start a claim is usually around $108 for most people. Additional steps—such as fixing a trial date, filing motions, or enforcing a judgment—may have their own court fees.
Every case is different, so during your consultation I can explain which fees apply to your situation and give you a clear breakdown before anything is filed.
6. What documents do I need to start a claim?
contracts or agreements
invoices
payment records
receipts
messages or emails
photographs
repair estimates or valuations
You can submit what you have, and I will help organize the evidence.
7. What if I already filed a claim or defence?
I can still assist at any point in the process, including:
reviewing what you filed
preparing evidence
preparing for the Settlement Conference
responding to a motion
preparing for trial
8. What happens at a Settlement Conference?
It is a meeting with a judge or deputy judge meant to:
clarify the issues
encourage settlement
discuss evidence
set next steps
It is not a trial, but it is an important part of the process..
9. What if the other party can’t be found?
I offer skip tracing only in connection with legal matters, which can help locate someone for the proper service of documents.
10. What happens if the other party doesn’t pay after judgment?
Winning a judgment doesn’t automatically mean payment. You may need to enforce it through:
garnishment
writs of seizure and sale
payment hearings
I assist with the enforcement process.
