Ontario legal guide · Updated 2026-06-16
Ontario Small Claims Court — Complete 2026 Guide
As of October 1, 2025, the monetary limit in Ontario Small Claims Court is $50,000. This guide walks through every stage — from filing a Plaintiff's Claim to enforcing a judgment.
Stage 1 — Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A)
File at the courthouse in the territorial division where the defendant lives or where the cause of action arose. Serve within 6 months.
Stage 2 — Defence (Form 9A)
The defendant has 20 days after service to file a Defence. No defence = default; you can ask the Clerk to note them in default and seek a default judgment.
Stage 3 — Settlement Conference
Mandatory under Rule 13, and scheduled within 90 days after the first Defence is filed (r. 13.01). A judge or deputy judge helps the parties try to settle. At least 14 days before the conference, each side must serve and file a List of Proposed Witnesses (Form 13A) and copies of the documents it relies on (r. 13.03).
Stage 4 — Trial
Strict rules of evidence are relaxed. Most trials run 1/2 day to 2 days.
Stage 5 — Enforcement
Tools include: Notice of Garnishment (Form 20E), Writ of Seizure and Sale of Personal Property (Form 20C), Writ of Seizure and Sale of Land (Form 20D), and Notice of Examination of the debtor (Form 20H).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the current limit in Ontario Small Claims Court?
$50,000, increased from $35,000 on October 1, 2025 (O. Reg. 42/25, amending O. Reg. 626/00).
What does it cost to file a claim?
$108 to file a Plaintiff's Claim ($228 for a frequent claimant — a claimant who has already filed 10 or more claims in the same Small Claims Court office in the same calendar year). The fee does not change with the size of the claim. Fee waivers are available.
How long do I have to sue?
The general limitation period is 2 years from the date you discovered the claim (Limitations Act, 2002, s. 4).
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Most parties self-represent. Licensed paralegals can also act in Small Claims Court.
How long does it take?
From filing to trial typically 12–18 months, depending on the court location.
Quorex provides legal information and procedural guidance, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For legal advice, contact Legal Aid Ontario (1-800-668-8258) or a licensed lawyer or paralegal.