Small Claims Court in Ontario (2026)
This page is the free Ontario guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
File a claim for up to $50,000 in Ontario without a lawyer. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
Ontario small claims guide
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Ontario Small Claims: Key Facts
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionCourt
Small Claims Court (Ontario Superior Court of Justice)
Claim limit
$50,000: As of October 1, 2025, the limit increased to $50,000. Does not include interest or costs.
Filing fee
$108 to file a claim (infrequent claimant); $228 (frequent claimant, 10+ claims filed at the same court this calendar year). Flat fee regardless of claim amount.
Starting form
Form 7A (Plaintiff's Claim)
How to file
File a Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) at the Small Claims Court office in the defendant's jurisdiction. Can also be filed online at Ontario Court eFiling.
Serving the defendant
Serve the defendant with your issued claim personally, or by registered mail or courier to their home with a signature. You can serve it yourself or have a friend or process server do it, then file an Affidavit of Service (Form 8A).
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Step-by-Step: Filing in Ontario
Open this section ↓- 1
Determine if your claim is under $50,000 and is appropriate for Small Claims Court.
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Try to resolve informally first. A demand letter often prompts payment without court.
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Complete Form 7A (Plaintiff's Claim) with defendant's full legal name, address, and what happened.
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File at the court office with the filing fee. Keep a copy of everything.
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Serve the defendant within 6 months after the court issues the claim. You can serve it yourself or have someone else do it.
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File an Affidavit of Service (Form 8A) for each defendant with the court office.
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Attend the Settlement Conference. Most cases settle here.
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If not settled, prepare for Trial: organize your evidence, witnesses, and receipts/invoices.
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Attend Trial and present your case. Be concise and factual.
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If you win, enforce the Judgment if the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily.
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What Happens at the Hearing
If the defendant disputes the claim, a Settlement Conference is scheduled first.Open this section ↓If the defendant disputes the claim, a Settlement Conference is scheduled first. If unresolved, the case proceeds to a Trial. Both parties present evidence; the judge decides and issues a written Judgment.
After You Win: Collecting Your Judgment
Winning doesn't automatically put money in your hand. You may need to file a Notice of Examination to question the debtor under oath, garnish wages or bank accounts, or seize personal property with a Writ of Seizure and Sale.
If the Defendant Counterclaims
Defendant can file a Defence and Defendant's Claim (counterclaim). A counterclaim above the court's limit goes to the higher court; check the rules.
↑ Close this sectionOntario-specific things to know
- •Ontario eFiling is available at efiling.ontariocourts.ca: file claims and documents online.
- •There is a 2-year limitation period from when you knew or ought to have known of the claim.
- •You can bring a representative (paralegal) or a lawyer; self-represented is common.
- •If defendant doesn't show up for trial, you may get a default judgment.
- •Small Claims Court awards can include the claim amount, pre-judgment interest, and partial costs.
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Common Questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Ontario?Open this section ↓Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Ontario?
No. Small Claims Court is designed for self-represented litigants. You may bring a lawyer if you choose, but it's usually not cost-effective for smaller claims. Most people represent themselves.
What if my claim is more than $50,000?
You can either waive the amount above $50,000 and file in Small Claims Court, or file in a higher court (Superior/Queen's Bench/Court of King's Bench) where lawyers are typically needed and the process is more formal and expensive.
How long do I have to file? (Limitation period)
Most claims in Ontario must be filed within 2 years of when you knew or reasonably should have known about the issue. Check your specific situation, some claims have shorter deadlines.
What if the defendant doesn't show up?
If the defendant was properly served and doesn't appear, the court will typically proceed and you may receive a default judgment in your favour. You still need to present your evidence.
Official sources
Facts checked October 2026
The form that starts it, explained
↑ Close this sectionSmall claims in other provinces
Done for you
Small Claims Package$14
- Demand letter
- Claim summary worksheet
- Evidence checklist
- Post-judgment collection guide
Demand letter + claim worksheet + filing guide
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Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.