For a small business, a single unpaid account or broken contract is more than a nuisance — it is time, payroll, and cash flow you were counting on. Ontario's Small Claims Court gives businesses a practical way to recover up to $50,000 without the cost and complexity of higher-court litigation. This guide explains how it works and where I can represent you.
What Small Claims Court Covers
Small Claims Court in Ontario handles civil claims up to $50,000. For businesses, the most common matters are debt recovery (unpaid invoices and accounts), contract disputes, and property damage.
If the amount you are owed is above the limit, the claim may need to be brought in a different court — something we would confirm together during a consultation before any paperwork is filed.
Plaintiff's Claims: Going After What You Are Owed
If you are the one owed money, I draft and file your lawsuit to recover unpaid debts, broken contracts, or damaged property. The goal is a clear, well-supported claim that puts your position in its strongest light from the outset.
Strong documentation makes the biggest difference here — invoices, signed agreements, emails, and delivery records. The better your paper trail, the smoother the claim.
Defence: If You Have Been Served
If a business or individual has served you with a claim, you need a comprehensive legal response — and you need it on time. Missing a defence deadline can lead to a default judgment against you.
I craft that response so your side of the story is properly presented and your interests are protected throughout the process.
Settlement Conferences and Trials
Most claims do not end in a trial. Settlement conferences give both sides a chance to resolve the matter in front of a judge without the cost of a full hearing. When a trial is necessary, I stand beside you in front of the judge to argue your case directly.
Having representation at these stages means you can focus on running your business while the litigation process is managed for you.
Protecting Your Business
If your business is owed money, or if you have been served with a Small Claims Court claim in Barrie or the surrounding area, the first step is a confidential consultation. We will confirm the matter fits within the Small Claims jurisdiction and map out your next steps.
Contacting Collingbourne Paralegal & Notary Services does not establish a paralegal-client relationship. A formal relationship is created only after a tailored retainer agreement has been reviewed and signed by both parties.
