How to start a Small Claims Court case in Ontario

This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.

1. Confirm Small Claims is the right court

   It deals with many money claims up to the current monetary limit. Family issues, criminal charges, and claims above the limit belong elsewhere. Check the current limit before you write the claim.

2. Name the defendant correctly

   Use the legal name of the person or the corporation. A store brand name on a receipt may not be the corporation. Wrong names cause failed service.

3. Fill Form 7A Plaintiff’s Claim

   Download it from the Small Claims Court forms list under Court Forms the day you file. Number the paragraphs. State the amount and why it is owed. Attach invoices, contracts and photos as schedules.

4. Issue Form 7A and pay the fee

   File at the Small Claims Court office for the right place or through the channel that court accepts. Use the official fee-waiver forms if you qualify. Keep the issued claim. That date starts later deadlines.

5. Serve the defendant and file Form 8A Affidavit of Service

   The Rules of the Small Claims Court say how to serve. Then file Form 8A. An issued claim that is never served does not move.

6. What the other side will do

   They may file Form 9A Defence. You will get a settlement conference date. Bring your documents in a simple folder.

Official law on this site: small-claims-court.

Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text and the official form page linked from this guide before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.