Small Claims Court Lawyer in Toronto
Ontario's Small Claims Court hears money claims up to $50,000. Our team helps Toronto individuals and businesses start claims, defend them, prepare for the settlement conference and present the case at trial.
30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book.
Small Claims Court in Ontario
Short answer: Since October 1, 2025 the Small Claims Court can hear claims for money or the return of property worth up to $50,000, not counting interest and costs. In Toronto the court is at 47 Sheppard Avenue East, a few minutes from our office. Most claims must be started within two years of when you discovered the problem.
Civitas Law is a team of legal professionals under the leadership of lawyer Nasibeh Mehrpouyan. We act for plaintiffs and defendants in unpaid invoices, loans between people, deposits, contractor and renovation disputes, property damage and other everyday disputes, in English, French, Farsi, Russian and Serbian.
How a small claims case works
- Demand letter. Many disputes resolve here. See demand letters in Ontario.
- Plaintiff's Claim. Filed with the court and served on the defendant.
- Defence. The defendant generally has 20 days after service to file a defence, or risks being noted in default.
- Settlement conference. A mandatory meeting with a judge to narrow the issues and explore settlement.
- Trial. Evidence and witnesses are presented to a deputy judge.
- Enforcement. Garnishment, writs against property and examinations if the judgment is not paid.
Small Claims Court or Superior Court?
If your claim is worth more than $50,000 you can sue in the Superior Court of Justice or give up the excess to stay in Small Claims Court, which is faster and less expensive. Costs awards in Small Claims Court are limited, which reduces the risk for both sides. Our guide Small Claims Court vs Superior Court explains the trade-offs.
What wins small claims cases
- Written contracts, invoices, emails and text messages
- Bank records and proof of payment
- Photos, quotes for repair and expert reports where needed
- Witnesses who can speak to what happened
Organizing the evidence early also makes settlement more likely.
Questions we hear often
General information, not legal advice. Every matter is different.
What is the Small Claims Court limit in Ontario?
Where is Small Claims Court in Toronto?
How long do I have to file a small claim?
Do I need a lawyer for Small Claims Court?
Can I get my legal costs back if I win?
How much does a small claims lawyer cost in Toronto?
Related services and guides
Civil litigation
Disputes in the Superior Court of Justice.
Demand letters
When a letter resolves a dispute.
Contracts
Drafting, review and breach of contract.
دادگاه دعاوی کوچک به فارسی
This page in Farsi.
Talk to our team
Book a consultation online or call (647) 271-1646 (the phone is answered 24/7). 30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book. Legal fees after that depend on the work involved, and we explain them in writing before you retain us.
Straightforward legal advice from a Toronto lawyer.
30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book. Personal injury matters start with a free 10-minute case review with the lawyer. Consultations are confidential.