Someone owes you money. Here is how you get it back.
If a client, customer, contractor or former friend has not paid, Ontario's Small Claims Court is designed for exactly this. We prepare the claim, serve it properly, negotiate, and speak for you in court.
- Free, no-obligation case review
- We handle every court document
- Most claims settle before trial
- Costs may be recoverable if you win
Start Your Claim
Tell us who owes you and why. We reply within 24 hours.
Who Can Sue
Almost anyone with a money claim under $50,000.
Individuals, sole proprietors, corporations and landlords can all bring a claim. You must be at least 18 (a litigation guardian can act for a minor), and the defendant must be properly identified — a common reason claims fail.
- Freelancers and consultants chasing unpaid invoices
- Small businesses with delinquent accounts
- Homeowners with deficient or abandoned renovations
- Consumers refused a legitimate refund
- Individuals who lent money without repayment
- Anyone whose property or vehicle was damaged by another party
Types Of Claims
Disputes we take on for plaintiffs.
Unpaid Invoices
Clients or customers who accepted your work and never paid the balance.
Breach of Contract
Services not delivered, deposits not returned, or agreements broken part-way through.
Construction & Reno Disputes
Deficient work, abandoned projects, and disputes over change orders.
Consumer Disputes
Faulty goods, misrepresented services, and refused refunds.
Property & Vehicle Damage
Damage caused by another party, including uninsured collision losses.
Loans Between Individuals
Money lent to friends, family or business partners that was never repaid.
Evidence
What makes a claim strong.
- A written agreement, quote, or invoice
- Emails, texts, or messages confirming the deal
- Proof of payment or partial payment
- Photos or reports showing the loss or damage
- A record of your attempts to collect
- Names of witnesses who can confirm what happened
Timeline
What to expect, realistically.
Most Ontario claims take several months. Simple matters can settle within weeks of filing; contested matters that proceed to trial commonly run a year or more depending on the court's schedule. We give you a realistic estimate for your specific court location — we never promise an outcome or a date.
Read the full breakdown on our Small Claims process page or review fees and court costs.
Don't Wait — 2-Year Limitation Applies
Every month you wait, collecting gets harder.
Get a free, confidential review from a licensed Ontario paralegal.
Common Questions
Plaintiff questions, answered.
Still have questions? Call (437) 755-5816 for a free consultation.
How long do I have to sue in Ontario?
Generally two years from the day you knew (or should have known) you had a claim, under the Limitations Act, 2002. Some situations change that date, so it is best to have your dates reviewed early.
What if the person owes me more than $50,000?
You can sue in Small Claims Court for up to $50,000 if you give up the amount above that limit, or you can bring the claim in Superior Court. We will explain the trade-offs before you decide.
Do I need to send a demand letter first?
It is not mandatory, but a clear written demand often resolves matters faster and shows the court you acted reasonably.
What evidence should I collect?
Contracts, invoices, quotes, emails and texts, photos, receipts, bank or e-transfer records, and the names of anyone who witnessed the agreement or the loss.
Keep Reading
Explore the Small Claims hub
Small Claims Court
The complete guide to claims up to $50,000 in Ontario.
Read moreDefending a Claim
Served with a claim? Deadlines, defences and next steps.
Read moreThe Court Process
Every stage from first call to enforcing a judgment.
Read moreFees & Court Costs
How our fees work and what the court charges.
Read moreSmall Claims FAQ
Answers to the questions Ontarians ask most.
Read moreFree Case Assessment
Tell us what happened — we reply within 24 hours.
Read moreNeed something else? Contact Aria Legal or browse our other services: Landlord & Tenant Board, Traffic Tickets, Notary Services.