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Blog Details
Small Claims Court
How Much Can You Sue for in Ontario Small Claims Court?
What Is the Monetary Limit for Ontario Small Claims Court?
Ontario Small Claims Court provides individuals and businesses with a streamlined process for resolving civil disputes without the complexity of higher courts.
As of October 1, 2025, the monetary jurisdiction of Ontario Small Claims Court is $50,000, excluding interest and costs.
This means that most claims seeking $50,000 or less can generally be commenced in Small Claims Court.
What Types of Cases Can Be Heard in Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court handles a wide variety of civil disputes, including:Unpaid debts
Breach of contract claims
Property damage claims
Construction disputes
Unpaid invoices
Loan repayment disputes
Business disputes
Landlord and tenant related claims not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Landlord and Tenant Board
Claims involving goods and services
Each case must be assessed individually to determine whether Small Claims Court has jurisdiction.
What Happens If My Claim Exceeds $50,000?
If your claim exceeds the Small Claims Court limit, you may have options.
You may:
Proceed in Superior Court
Claims exceeding the monetary limit may need to be commenced in the Superior Court of Justice.
Abandon the Excess
In some circumstances, a plaintiff may choose to abandon any amount above the Small Claims Court limit in order to proceed in Small Claims Court.
Before making this decision, it is important to understand the legal and financial consequences.
Can Businesses Use Small Claims Court?
Yes.
Corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other business entities may bring claims in Ontario Small Claims Court.
Many businesses use Small Claims Court to recover unpaid invoices, outstanding accounts, and other debts.
What Can Be Claimed?
Depending on the circumstances, a plaintiff may seek:
Money owed
Property recovery
Compensation for damages
Interest
Certain legal costs
The available remedies depend on the nature of the dispute and the evidence available.
What Evidence Should I Bring?
Strong evidence is often critical to a successful claim.
Examples include:
Contracts
Invoices
Receipts
Photographs
Emails
Text messages
Witness statements
Financial records
Proper organization of evidence can significantly improve the presentation of a case.
What Happens After a Claim Is Filed?
The Small Claims Court process typically involves:
Filing the Claim
The plaintiff files a Plaintiff's Claim with the court.
Serving the Defendant
The claim must be properly served on the defendant.
Defence
The defendant may file a Defence responding to the allegations.
Settlement Conference
The parties generally attend a settlement conference before a judge or deputy judge.
Trial
If the matter does not resolve, it may proceed to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Represent Myself?
Yes.
Individuals may generally represent themselves in Small Claims Court.
However, many parties choose to obtain legal assistance depending on the complexity of the matter.
Can I Recover My Legal Costs?
In some circumstances, the court may award costs.
The amount awarded will depend on the circumstances of the case.
What Happens If I Win?
Winning a judgment does not automatically result in payment.
Additional enforcement steps may sometimes be necessary.
How Long Does a Small Claims Court Matter Take?
Timelines vary depending on the court location, complexity of the dispute, and whether the matter settles before trial.
How We Help Clients Across Ontario
Cordaie Paralegal Services assists clients throughout Ontario with:
Plaintiff's Claims
Defences
Settlement Conferences
Motions
Trials
Enforcement Proceedings
Debt Recovery Matters
Contract Disputes
We help individuals and businesses understand the Small Claims Court process and pursue practical solutions to their legal disputes.
Thinking About Starting a Small Claims Court Case?
If you're considering filing a claim or have questions about your legal options, contact Cordaie Paralegal Services. We'll review your matter, explain the Small Claims Court process, and help you determine the most appropriate next steps.
