Have a Small Claims matter in St. Catharines, Welland, or Hamilton? Not sure what to do and need help? Our firm has lawyers who can assist on Small Claims matters in the area. Our fee for Small Claims matters is $250+HST/hr (for work completed by our Lawyers).

​

Lawyers vs. Paralegal?

​

Lawyers in Ontario have 7 years' education prior to licensing, while Paralegals typically have about 2 years' education.* Why hire a Paralegal when you can hire a Lawyer with many years' more education?

​

Small Claims Scope

​

In Ontario, you can sue or be sued in Small Claims for $35,000 or less. For anything over $35,000, you need to go to the Superior Court of Justice.

​

If what you are owed is more than $35,000, you can still use Small Claims Court if you are willing to waive anything over $35,000.

 

What You Can Sue For

​

You can sue for money owed under an agreement:

​

• goods or services sold and delivered where they failed to pay

• unpaid loans

• unpaid rent

​

You can sue for claims for damages, such as:

​

• property damage (ex. house damaged by contractors)

• clothes damaged by a dry cleaner

• personal injuries 

• breach of contract 

​​

Where Do I Begin?​

​

Some of the most important things to remember are:

• usually, you have to commence a claim within 2 years of the incident

• as the responding party, you have 20 days to file a Defence, otherwise you may be deemed to accept the Claim as true

• there are various Rules regarding timelines that all parties must adhere to, otherwise you risk the court making orders against you, including orders to pay the other side costs 

• ​you may wish to consult a lawyer to decide whether you can represent yourself or prefer to hire a representative. Call us for a free 15- minute consultation.

​

​

Ontario-Wide Assistance

​

Small Claims matters often proceed virtually (via Zoom or videoconferencing). We can work on your matter in Ontario, wherever you are. If travel is required for the trial, we charge reasonable travel fees, however we can ask the court for permission to do a virtual trial.​​

​

​​

*Education and licensing varies. Lawyer licensing information is current as of 2025.

​