Claims Up to $50,000 · Mississauga & Brampton

Small Claims Court
Representation

Small Claims Court is designed to be accessible - but the process, deadlines, and rules of evidence still matter. Jolanta represents clients in Mississauga, Brampton, and across Ontario. We handle everything from claim preparation through to the hearing, so you go in prepared and represented.

Understanding the Court

Small Claims Court
in Ontario

Small Claims Court handles civil disputes where the amount claimed is $50,000 or less. It's the right venue for unpaid invoices, security deposit disputes, breach of contract, property damage, and many debt recovery matters.

Although the court is intended to be accessible without a lawyer, that doesn't mean legal representation is optional - it means your opponent may show up without one. A paralegal who knows the court's rules, evidence standards, and settlement conference expectations gives you a clear, measurable advantage. Jolanta has represented clients in Small Claims Court across Ontario and understands exactly what adjudicators look for.

"The strength of your evidence and the clarity of your legal arguments determine outcomes in Small Claims Court. We build both."

Key Facts

  • Maximum claim: $50,000 (excluding costs)
  • General limitation period: 2 years from discovery of claim
  • Hearings conducted in person or by video
  • You can claim for unpaid debt, damages, and property loss
  • Successful parties may recover partial legal costs
  • Judgments are enforceable through garnishment and liens
  • Defendants have 20 days to file a Defence
Call 226-240-4460
Full-Service Representation

What We Do For You

Whether you're starting a claim, defending one, or navigating a dispute that's already in motion - we handle the process professionally from first call to final resolution.

Services We Provide
  • Assessing your claim and advising on legal strategy
  • Starting a Small Claims Court Claim (Plaintiff's Claim)
  • Defending a Small Claims Court Claim (Defence & Defendant's Claim)
  • Preparing pleadings, affidavits, and court documents
  • Organizing evidence chronologically and strategically
  • Pre-trial correspondence and settlement negotiations
  • Representation at Settlement Conferences
  • Representation at Motions & Trials
  • Enforcement of judgments (garnishment, liens, examination of debtor)
  • Responding to enforcement actions filed against you

"Most Small Claims matters settle before trial - but only if you arrive at the Settlement Conference with a well-documented case and a clear position. We make sure you do."

Types of Matters We Handle
  • Unpaid invoices and contractor disputes
  • Security deposit and landlord-tenant money claims
  • Property damage and consumer disputes
  • Breach of contract claims
  • Debt recovery and collection matters
  • Defective goods or services disputes
  • Vehicle damage and accident-related claims
  • Enforcement of existing Small Claims judgments
  • Defending claims filed against you or your business

Not sure which situation applies to you?

Call 226-240-4460
Step by Step

Our Process

Every matter is different, but every matter follows the same disciplined approach: understand, prepare, represent, resolve.

1

We review your situation, confirm whether Small Claims Court is the right venue, and explain the process - no obligation.

2
Prepare Your Case

We draft your pleadings, organize evidence chronologically, identify weaknesses in the opposing position, and build a strategic case file so you're prepared on every point when you go to court.

3
Representation

We represent you and prepare your case for Settlement Conferences, Motions, and Trial. We speak on your behalf at Settlement Conferences and Motions, and prepare you to present your evidence with confidence before the judge at trial.

4
Resolution & Enforcement

We explain the outcome in plain language, advise on enforcement options if a judgment is granted, and make sure you understand every next step - including what to do if the other side doesn't pay.

Before You File

What You Need to Know

Filing without preparation is one of the most common reasons people lose cases they should have won. These are the things we check before we ever file a document.

Before Filing a Claim
  • Confirm the amount claimed does not exceed $50,000 (excluding costs and interest)
  • Identify the correct legal name of the defendant - errors can invalidate service
  • Gather all written evidence: contracts, invoices, receipts, texts, emails
  • Check the limitation period - most claims must be filed within 2 years of when you knew about the loss
  • Send a formal demand letter before filing - it strengthens your position and is sometimes required
  • Determine the correct court location based on where the defendant resides or where the dispute arose
When Defending a Claim
  • You have 20 days from being served to file a Defence - missing this deadline can result in a default judgment against you
  • A Defendant's Claim can be filed to pursue your own damages within the same action
  • Attend the Settlement Conference - failure to appear can result in costs orders or dismissal
  • Organize your evidence early - documents not disclosed before the hearing may be excluded
  • Do not ignore the Plaintiff's Claim - even if you believe it is without merit, a response is required
  • Call us immediately if you've been served - early advice is always better