Small Claims Court Timelines — Ontario

How long each stage takes and what to expect

Ontario Small Claims Court cases are structured in stages, and the time it takes for each one can vary based on courthouse location, service requirements, and case complexity. While some matters resolve quickly, others take longer due to regional backlogs and scheduling delays.

Key stages include filing, serving the other side, attending conferences or motions, settlement negotiations, trial scheduling, and, if applicable, judgment enforcement.

Understanding these timelines early helps you file in the correct jurisdiction, meet limitation periods, prepare evidence properly, and decide strategically when settlement may be the better path. We provide direction that keeps your case organized and moving, so delays don’t leave you uncertain or unprepared.

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Understanding the Ontario Small Claims Court Process

Small Claims Court in Ontario handles civil disputes where the claim amount is $50,000 or less, not including interest or legal costs.

Although every case is unique, the court follows a standard sequence of procedural stages and deadlines. Understanding this structure early helps you prepare the right evidence, file in the correct jurisdiction, and avoid unnecessary delays or refiling that can slow your case down.

Below, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step breakdown of the Ontario Small Claims Court process and realistic timelines, so you know what comes next and move forward with confidence—not guesswork.

Your Step-by-Step Small Claims Court Timeline

1. Preparing the Plaintiff’s Claim (1 – 2 weeks)

Your case begins with drafting the Plaintiff’s Claim. A strong, well-organized claim increases the likelihood of early resolution and prevents court rejections or amendments.

How Cordaie Paralegal Services helps:

We draft, review, and structure your claim to ensure accuracy, clarity, and legal strength from the start.

2. Filing the Claim (1 – 7 days)

• Your claim is filed with the appropriate Small Claims Court location.
• Electronic filing is common and often quicker, but processing times vary depending on the court’s workload.

3. Serving the Defendant (Typically 1 – 2 weeks)

• After filing, the Defendant must be properly served with the claim.
  
• Incorrect service is one of the most common reasons a case is delayed or dismissed.
• We handle service for you to ensure full compliance with Ontario rules.

4. Defendant’s Response (20 days after service)

The Defendant has 20 days to file one of the following:

• A Defence
• A Defendant’s Claim (counterclaim)
• A Settlement Proposal
• No response (which may allow you to seek Default Judgment)

⚠️Note: If the Defendant does nothing, your matter may move forward faster.

5. Scheduling the Settlement Conference (2 – 4 months)

Once pleadings are complete, the court will schedule a Settlement Conference.

This is a mandatory meeting where:

• A Deputy Judge reviews the claims
• The parties discuss settlement
• Issues are clarified
• The next steps are determined

⚠️Note: Some matters settle here; those that don’t move toward trial.

6. Trial Preparation (Varies based on complexity)

If the case does not resolve at the Settlement Conference, trial preparation begins.

This includes:

• Gathering evidence
• Organizing exhibits
• Preparing witnesses
• Drafting trial documents
• Complying with the court’s timelines

⚠️Important: Proper preparation significantly influences your chances of success.

7. Trial Scheduling (Typically 3 – 8 months after the conference)

Trial dates depend on:

• Court location
• Court backlog
• Case complexity
• Length of the required trial
• Some regions schedule quickly; others may take longer.

8. The Trial

• Most Small Claims Court trials last one full day, though complex matters may require more time.
• During trial, the Judge hears evidence, reviews documents, and makes a decision.

9. Enforcement of Judgment

• Winning is step one.
  
• Enforcing the judgment is step two.

Enforcement options include:

• Wage garnishment
• Bank garnishment
• Writs of seizure and sale
• Payment hearings

Cordaie Paralegal Services assists with all enforcement steps to ensure you actually collect what you’re owed.

How Cordaie Paralegal Services Helps Keep Your Case Moving

When a Small Claims Court matter stalls, it’s often because of missed steps, unclear filings, or disorganized evidence — not lack of merit. Ontario clients rely on Cordaie because we step in early to clarify jurisdiction, prepare submissions accurately, and manage deadlines and follow-ups.

Our remote-first approach lets us move quickly without waiting for in-person meetings, while our licensing through the Law Society of Ontario ensures we can advocate for you in Small Claims Court when your matter qualifies.

From filing and serving documents to settlement conferences, motions, and judgment enforcement, we keep your case organized and progressing. You get a licensed paralegal advocate who handles the procedural work, keeps communication clear, and maintains momentum through each stage.

The result is a process that feels more manageable, more efficient, and far less stressful—so your case moves forward with confidence, not delays.

Why Ontario Trusts Cordaie With Small Claims Court Matters

A Small Claims Court dispute can impact your finances, reputation, and momentum. Clients trust Cordaie because we provide LSO licensed paralegal advocacy that’s focused, responsive, and built around a clear, flat-fee model.

We handle the procedural work—drafting claims and defences, organizing evidence, filing in the correct Ontario jurisdiction, and ensuring service is completed properly—so your case doesn’t stall due to avoidable errors or confusion.

We bring cases forward strategically, not emotionally, supporting clients through conferences, motions, settlement discussions, and trial preparation when required.

If you already have a judgment, we also help guide enforcement options available through Small Claims Court. With Ontario-wide access, clear communication, and courtroom-ready preparation, you get a licensed advocate who keeps the process simple and your case moving forward with confidence.

Small Claims Support Across Ontario — Clear Guidance From Anywhere

No matter where you are in Ontario, you get access to a licensed paralegal advocate who keeps your Small Claims matter simple and moving forward. We support clients in large cities, small towns, and northern communities through a remote-first process built to reduce stress, avoid procedural mistakes, and eliminate unnecessary travel for most stages.

From eligibility assessments and evidence review to drafting, filing, settlement conferences, motions, and trial preparation, we deliver the same level of responsive, organized support across the province.

Ontario-wide service means you’re never left guessing, chasing deadlines, or handling court procedure alone — you get guidance that is practical, direct, and focused on protecting your financial interests in Small Claims Court.