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Can I use Small Claims Court?
Answer five quick questions to see if your case looks like a fit, or if it may belong somewhere else.
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What Small Claims Court can and can't help with
Small Claims Court is the part of Ontario's court system for smaller money disputes. It is built so people can handle their own case without a lawyer. As the PlaintiffThe person or business that starts a court case by filing a claim. The plaintiff asks the court to order the defendant to pay., you ask the court to order the other side to pay you or return your property.
There is a Monetary limitThe most money you can ask for in a court. In Ontario Small Claims Court it is $50,000, not counting interest and costs, since October 1, 2025.: $50,000, not counting interest and costs. If you are owed more, you can give up the extra to stay in Small Claims Court, or you may need to go to a different court, where getting legal advice is a good idea.
Some problems belong elsewhere. Family, criminal and immigration cases go to other courts. Most problems between a residential landlord and tenant go to the Landlord and Tenant Board [VERIFY] instead. The checker points these out and tells you where to look next.
If anyone in the case is under 18, or can't manage their own affairs, they may need a Litigation guardianAn adult who acts for a child or for a person who cannot manage their own case in court. They make decisions in the case for that person [VERIFY: rules for appointing one].. That has extra rules, so get legal advice first.
Time matters too. There is a Limitation periodThe time limit to start a court case. In Ontario it is generally 2 years from when you discovered your claim, under the Limitations Act, 2002. If you miss it, you may lose the right to sue., generally 2 years from the day you discovered the problem. The checker uses the date you give to estimate it. The answer is general information, never a decision about your case.
Read next
- GuideBefore you sue: what to check firstBefore you go to court, check that your claim fits the $50,000 limit, that you are not too late, and that you have asked the other side to pay. This stage can save you time, money and stress.
- GuideWho to sue and where to fileYour claim needs the correct legal name of everyone you sue, and it must be filed in the right court location. Getting both right makes your judgment easier to collect.
- GuideStarting a claim (Form 7A)You start a Small Claims case by filing a Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) with a Schedule A that tells your story. Once the court issues it, your 6-month clock to serve begins.
- ArticleYou got your Small Claims Court judgment. Now what?A judgment does not collect itself. Start by asking the other side to pay, then choose an enforcement step that fits what you know about their money or property.
- Form 7AStarting a Small Claims case
Questions people ask
How much can I sue for in Small Claims Court?
Up to $50,000, not counting interest and costs. If you are owed more, you can choose to give up the extra to stay in Small Claims Court.
What kinds of cases does Small Claims Court hear?
Claims for money and for the return of property, such as unpaid bills and loans, work done badly, or damaged belongings. Family, criminal and immigration cases go to other courts.
Is there a time limit to sue?
Yes. Generally 2 years from the day you discovered the problem (Limitations Act, 2002). Use our limitation period estimator to see your date.
Does this checker tell me if I will win?
No. It only looks at whether Small Claims Court seems like the right place for your kind of case. Whether you win depends on the facts and your evidence.
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