Unpaid invoices and Debt Recovery In Small Claims Court
Get paid what you're owed — file the right way, the first time
Unpaid invoices and outstanding debts can drain your cash flow and your peace of mind. When payment reminders are ignored and agreements are broken, Ontario Small Claims Court gives you a legal path to recover losses up to $50,000—without the cost and formality of higher courts.
Our Law Society of Ontario (LSO) licensed paralegals help individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses pursue debt and invoice recovery the right way. From drafting demand letters and issuing claims to settlement conferences and post-judgment enforcement options, we manage the legal work so your case is filed correctly, supported with evidence, and kept on track—letting you shift your focus back to what matters most.
Clear strategy. Proper filing. Real follow-through. That’s how we help keep your Small Claims matter moving.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Clients Across Ontario
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“Damian delivered outstanding results and resolved the issue within 24 hours. His expertise made a real difference.” — Sandi B., Former Client
Types of Debt You Can Recover
You may be eligible to pursue compensation in Ontario Small Claims Court for financial losses, including:
- Unpaid invoices for services, completed work, or delivered goods
- Loans, promissory notes, and written repayment agreements
- Deposits or retainers that were never refunded
- Work performed without full payment
- Unpaid subcontractor or tradesperson agreements
- Unpaid rent or property damage claims outside LTB jurisdiction
- NSF, returned, or bounced cheques
- Breached written or verbal agreements due to non-payment
Unsure If Your Situation Qualifies?
Don’t guess—get early direction from an LSO licensed paralegal who can assess your claim amount and Ontario jurisdiction at no cost.
Don’t Let Procedure Derail Your Claim
The Small Claims Court process may seem straightforward, but even small procedural mistakes can cause delays, dismissal, or an avoidable loss of leverage. Filing errors, missed deadlines, or incomplete evidence packages can directly affect the direction your case takes.
When clients choose Cordaie, they get a LSO licensed paralegal advocate who:
- Prepares and files court documents accurately
- Tracks and manages deadlines
- Provides in-court advocacy when your matter qualifies
- Negotiates at settlement conferences and case discussions
- Supports post-judgment enforcement options, including garnishments and writs
- Takes the procedural burden off your shoulders, so you stay informed and positioned from the start
With the right advocate handling the details, your case is organized, strategic, and kept on track—not left to chance or refiling.
What Counts as a Valid Debt?
The debt must be:
- For a fixed, specific amount (liquidated)
- Within the 2-year limitation period (in most cases)
- Supported by records (invoices, contracts, messages)
- Connected to someone in Ontario (or served in Ontario)
HOW IT WORKS
How We Recover Your Money:
Our 5-Step Small Claims Court Process
The first step in debt recovery is confirming your claim amount and legal pathway. We review your contracts, invoices, payment history, and relevant communications to ensure your case is positioned for the right approach in Ontario Small Claims Court. When your evidence is organized early, you move forward with more leverage and fewer procedural risks.
Once your claim is assessed, we prepare and issue a professionally drafted demand letter that clearly outlines the debt and sets a firm payment deadline. This letter signals next steps, puts the other side on notice, and often motivates faster resolution—helping many clients recover payment before ever stepping into court. When early action works, you save time, stress, and unnecessary filing steps.
Issue and File the Plaintiff’s Claim
If the debt remains unpaid after the demand deadline, we draft, issue, and file your Plaintiff’s Claim in the correct Ontario Small Claims Court jurisdiction.
We attach supporting exhibits, calculate claim totals, and ensure the filing meets Ontario court requirements from the start to reduce avoidable procedural issues.
Settlement Conference and Negotiation
After filing, the court typically schedules a settlement conference. We represent you at this stage, present the strengths of your evidence, communicate with the opposing party, and negotiate resolution options.
Many matters resolve here without proceeding to trial, saving clients further steps when an agreement can be reached early and strategically.
Judgment Enforcement, If Applicable
If a judgment is granted and payment is still not made, we guide you through enforcement options available in Ontario Small Claims Court.
This may include wage or bank garnishment, filing a Writ of Seizure and Sale, or requesting court-approved collection steps.
We support you through the enforcement stage until you have clear and actionable next steps to recover what the court has awarded.
Why Ontario Clients Choose Cordaie Paralegal Services
We know how to prepare, document, and present debt claims effectively in Ontario Small Claims Court.
Our LSO licensed paralegals manage the court forms, deadlines, evidence package, and service requirements, so your case is filed properly from the start.
- Strategic evidence preparation that supports your claim clearly
- Accurate filing and deadline tracking, reducing avoidable delays
- Flat-fee pricing quoted in advance, so you know your cost before you start
- Fast action to restore momentum, helping you move from reminders to filings sooner
- In-court advocacy, including settlement conferences and trial when appropriate
- Post-judgment enforcement guidance to help you pursue collection options the court allows
Instead of chasing payments and navigating procedure alone, you get a prepared advocate focused on protecting your financial interests in Ontario Small Claims Court.
We step in early so you can shift from uncertainty to strategy—and from stalled communication to filed action.
You keep your focus on running your business, while we focus on bringing direction, preparation, and court-ready advocacy to your Small Claims debt matter.
You focus on your business. We focus on restoring momentum and positioning your claim for the right next steps in Ontario Small Claims Court.
“Damian Cordaie is an exceptional paralegal who delivered outstanding results in resolving a retail purchase issue within 24 hours. Damian stepped in and efficiently navigated the complexities, achieving a complete resolution. His expertise and commitment made a significant difference and I highly recommend him for anyone needing swift legal assistance.”
Sandi B., Former Client
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Serving Clients Across Ontario —No Matter Where You're Located
We support Ontario clients in every region and courthouse jurisdiction for Small Claims Court matters, using a remote-first process that keeps legal help accessible and efficient. Most steps — including evidence review, document preparation, and court submissions — can be handled by phone or secure online channels, so you avoid unnecessary travel and procedural confusion.
Whether you're filing a claim, defending one, or enforcing a judgment up to $50,000, you receive the same level of organized, licensed advocacy from a LSO licensed paralegal advocate who keeps your case on track from the start. Province-wide service means your support is always within reach, without added disruption to your schedule.
FAQ — Unpaid Invoices and Debt Recovery In Ontario Small Claims Court
Pursuing unpaid invoices or debt collection in Ontario Small Claims Court can raise a lot of questions—especially when you’re moving from reminders to formal legal action. This section answers the key questions about claim limits, evidence, filing, service, costs, settlement conferences, and enforcement options, so you know what to expect before taking the next step.
Whether you’re filing a claim, defending one, or enforcing a judgment, we believe in early clarity, proper preparation, and a process that keeps your case on track. If you need more insight after reading, we’re here to review your situation privately and provide direction.
1. Can I sue without a written contract?
Yes. Verbal or implied contracts can still be enforceable, though written ones are easier to prove.
2. What if the person moved or disappeared?
We may be able to find them or apply for substituted service. We’ll advise on strategy.
3. Can I claim interest or collection fees?
Yes — if they were agreed upon or set by law. We calculate these when filing.
4. What if I already tried a collection agency?
You can still sue in court, and often have stronger leverage with a legal judgment.
5. Will the court guarantee payment?
No — but with a judgment, we can enforce using legal tools. Without one, you’re stuck hoping.
