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Small Claims Court Ontario Guide

Clear, province-specific guidance on small claims procedures, filing limits, fees, and court processes in Ontario.

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At A Glance

Filing Methods

Online, In Person, By Mail

Deadlines

2 years

Update Status

Jul 14, 2026

  • Use Ontario Small Claims Court for claims up to $35,000, debts, damages, personal property disputes, contract issues/unpaid accounts, service issues, and straightforward civil disputes. Use Ontario Superior Court of Justice for claims over $35,000, complex matters, injunctions/broader remedies, and appeals from Small Claims Court.

  • Organize case. 


    Send demand letter with what happened, what you request, 14–30 day deadline, and notice you will file Small Claims action if unresolved. 


    Send by registered/trackable mail. 


    Gather receipts, contracts, invoices, screenshots, emails/logs, payment/loss proof, and timeline. 


    Ontario uses forms depending on claim type. 


    Small Claims Court Forms


    Include defendant legal name, brief dispute summary, and amount up to $35,000.

  • File online through e-Filing, in person at Small Claims Court office, or by mail depending on office. 


    File closest to where defendant lives/does business or dispute occurred. 


    Bring completed form, supporting documents, filing fee or fee waiver. Clerk stamps and provides service copies. 


    Serve defendant with issued claim by personal service, registered mail, courier with signature, or process server. 


    Complete Affidavit of Service and keep proof.

  • Many disputes settle before hearing. 


    If agreement, put terms in writing and file consent/withdrawal. 


    If no settlement, matter proceeds to settlement conference or hearing. 


    Bring organized evidence, copies for judge/defendant, and witnesses. 


    Judgment may be immediate or later. 


    If you win, enforce by wage garnishment, bank garnishment, or seizure of assets. 


    Appeals limited and strict rules apply.

  • Serve claim: as soon as possible after filing. 


    Defendant’s reply: timelines set by Small Claims Court rules. 


    Settlement conference: after first stage. 


    Hearing: after settlement conference. 


    Payment: due as required in judgment. 


    Default judgment: possible if defendant does not respond.

  • Small Claims offices operate throughout Ontario. 


    Use courthouse directory.

Official Resources

Visit the official court website below for forms, filing information, and additional resources.

Ontario Small Claims Court

Important Note

This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Small claims rules, fees, and claim limits may change. Always confirm curent details with your local court.

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