Small claims court fees - Easy Court Ontario

Information On Small Claims Court Fees and Procedures

Our Resource Centre puts the information you will need to navigate the Small Claims Court, right at your finger tips.

Here you will find Small Claims Court fees, Small Claims Court locations, guides, legislation, legal definitions, links to search houses, links to helpful sites, links to legal professionals, collection letter templates and more...

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Small Claims Court Fees
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Small Claims Court Fees and Forms

The following table outlines the Ontario Small Claims Court Fees that you will have to pay to the court when you proceed to file your document:

Form

Court Filing Fee

Frequent Filer (more than 5 claims per year)

For filing a Plaintiff's Claim	$75.00	$145.00
For filing a Defence	$40.00
For filing a Defendant's Claim	$75.00	$145.00
For filing an Affidavit or Certificate	$40.00

Address:
110 Main St. N., PO Box 699, Alexandria, Ontario K0C 1A0
Phone Number: 613-525-4330

Address:
21 Madawaska Street, Arnprior, Ontario K7S 1R6
Phone Number: 613-432-3193

Address:
5 Fairway Blvd. Bancroft, Ontario K0L 1C0
Phone Number: 613-962-9106

Address:
114 Worsley Street, Barrie, Ontario L4M 1M1
Phone Number: 705-739-6111

Address:
235 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, Ontario K8N 3A9
Phone Number: 613-962-9106

Address:
15 Hudson Street, Blind River, Ontario P0R 1B0
Phone Number: 705-848-2383

Address:
3 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 2E6
Phone Number: 705-645-8793

Address:
7755 Hurontario Street, Brampton, Ontario L6W 4T6
Phone Number: 905-456-4700

Address:
70 Wellington Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2L9
Phone Number: 519-752-7828

Address:
35 Alice Street, Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0
Phone Number: 905-372-3751

Address:
41 Court House Square, Brockville, Ontario K6V 7N3
Phone Number: 613-341-2800

Address:
300 Ontario St., Plaza 11, Hwy11 Box 119, Burks Falls, Ontario P0A 1C0
Phone Number: 705-382-2571

Address:
2021 Plains Rd. East, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M3
Phone Number: 905-637-4125

Address:
89 Main Street, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 1W1
Phone Number: 519-623-0170

Address:
53 Front St. Campbellford, Ontario K0L 1L0
Phone Number: 905-372-3751

Address:
55 Munsee Street, Cayuga, Ontario N0A 1E0
Phone Number: 905-772-3335

Address:
Civic Centre, 20 Pine Street West, Chapleau, Ontario
Phone Number: 705-360-4231

Address:
425 Grand Ave West, Chatham, Ontario N7M 6M8
Phone Number: 519-355-2200

Address:
860 William Street, Cobourg, Ontario K9A 3A9
Phone Number: 905-372-3751

Address:
149 Fourth Ave., Box 638, Cochrane, Ontario P0L 1C0
Phone Number: 705-272-4256

Address:
49 Huron Street, Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 1C5
Phone Number: 705-445-9332

Address:
29 Second Street West, Cornwall, Ontario K6J 1G3
Phone Number: 613-933-7500

Address:
David Meekis Memorial School, Deer Lake, Ontario P0V 1N0
Phone Number: 807-468-2842

Address:
479 Government St. PO Box 3000, Dryden, Ontario P8N 3B3
Phone Number: 807-223-2348

Address:
200 Ontario Avenue, Elliot Lake, Ontario P5A 1Y5
Phone Number: 705-848-2383

Address:
50 Third St, Box 14, Englehart, Ontario P0J 1J0
Phone Number: 705-544-8177

Address:
3rd St. & 6th Ave, (Parish Hall), Englehart, Ontario P0J 1H0
Phone Number: 705-544-8177

Address:
R.R # 1 Fergus, Wellington Road 18, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W3
Phone Number: 519-824-4169

Address:
333 Church Street, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1C9
Phone Number: 807-274-5961

Address:
208 Beamish St. Box 39, Geraldton, Ontario P0T 1M1
Phone Number: 807-854-1488

Address:
1 Courthouse Square, Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M2
Phone Number: 519-524-7322

Address:
27 Phipps Street, Gore Bay, Ontario P0P 1H0
Phone Number: 705-282-2461

Address:
233 Elizabeth Street,Grimsby, Ontario L3M 3K5
Phone Number: 905-988-6200

Address:
74 Woolwich Street, Guelph, Ontario N1H 3T9
Phone Number: 519-824-4100

Address:
393 Main St., Box 609, Haileybury, Ontario P0J 1K0
Phone Number: 705-672-3321

Address:
45 Main Street East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7
Phone Number: 905-645-5252

Address:
925 Alexandra Street, Hearst, Ontario P0L 1N0
Phone Number: 705-272-4256

Address:
36 Chaffey Street, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 1J4
Phone Number: 705-645-8793

Address:
253 Main Street, Iroquois Falls Ontario P0L 1C0
Phone Number: 705-272-4256

Address:
Kaladar Community Centre,Highway 7,Kaladar, Ontario K0H 1Z0
Phone Number: 613-354-3845

Address:
88 Riverside Drive, Kapuskasing, Ontario P5N 1B3
Phone Number: 705-272-4256

Address:
122 Government Rd. West, Kapuskasing, Ontario P5N 2X8
Phone Number: 705-337-1477

Address:
Town Hall, 15 Water Street, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0
Phone Number: 613-345-5895

Address:
216 Water Street, Kenora, Ontario P9N 1S4
Phone Number: 807-468-2842

Address:
47 Mill Street, Killaloe, Ontario K0J 2A0
Phone Number: 613-732-8581

Address:
5 Court Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2N4
Phone Number: 613-548-6811

Address:
140 Government Rd E Box 730, Kirkland Lake Ontario P2N 3K1
Phone Number: 705-567-9381

Address:
20 Weber Street East, Kitchener, Ontario N2H 1C3
Phone Number: 519-741-3270

Address:
59 Court Street, 2nd Floor, L Orignal, Ontario K0B 1K0
Phone Number: 613-675-4567

Address:
7 Clark Street West, Leamington, Ontario N8H 1E5
Phone Number: 519-973-6620

Address:
440 Kent Street West, Lindsay, Ontario K9V 6G8
Phone Number: 705-324-1400

Address:
80 Dundas Street, London, Ontario N6A 6A3
Phone Number: 519-660-3000

Address:
605 Yonge Street, Midland, Ontario L4R 2E1
Phone Number: 705-526-0251

Address:
491 Steeles Ave East, Milton, Ontario L9T 1Y7
Phone Number: 905-878-4165

Address:
7 Milne Street, Minden, Ontario K0M 2K0
Phone Number: 705-324-1400

Address:
8 - 5th Street West, Box 858, Morrisburg, Ontario K0C 1X0
Phone Number: 613-543-2193

Address:
381 Main St. North, Mount Forest Ontario N0G 2C0
Phone Number: 519-824-4169

Address:
41 Dundas Steet West, Napanee, Ontario K7R 1Z5
Phone Number: 613-354-3845

Address:
50 Eagle Street Weet, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 6B1
Phone Number: 905-853-4809

Address:
4635 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 2L6
Phone Number: 905-988-6200

Address:
5 Wadsworth Dr., PO Box 758, Nipigon, Ontario P0T 2J0
Phone Number: 807-887-3829

Address:
360 Plouffe Street, North Bay, Ontario P1B 9L5
Phone Number: 705-495-8309

Address:
1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario L6H 7H6
Phone Number: 905-842-8380

Address:
10 Louisa Street 1st Floor, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 3P9
Phone Number: 519-941-5802

Address:
700 Memorial Ave., Cottage C, Orillia, Ontario L3V 6J3
Phone Number: 705-326-2671

Address:
161 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K1
Phone Number: 613-239-1560

Address:
611 - 9th Aveneu East, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 6Z4
Phone Number: 519-370-2430

Address:
89 James Street, Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 1T7
Phone Number: 705-746-4251

Address:
31 Riverside Drive, Pembroke, Ontario K8A 8R6
Phone Number: 613-732-8581

Address:
43 Drummond Street East, Perth, Ontario K7H 1G1
Phone Number: 613-267-2021

Address:
70 Simcoe Street, Peteborough Ontario K9H 7G9
Phone Number: 705-876-3816

Address:
44 Union Street, PO Box 680, Picton, Ontario K0K 2T0
Phone Number: 613-476-6236

Address:
Town Hall, 56 Queen Street, Port Hope, Ontario L1A 3Z9
Phone Number: 905-372-3751

Address:
115 Howey St., P.O. Box 226, Red Lake, Ontario P0V 2M0
Phone Number: 807-727-2376

Address:
127 Raglan Street South, Renfrew, Ontario
Phone Number: 613-432-3193

Address:
315 Raglan Street South, Renfrew, Ontario K7V 1R6
Phone Number: 613-432-3193

Address:
855 Major Mackenzie Dr. East, Richmond Hill Ontario L4B 4X7
Phone Number: 905-737-4416

Address:
700 N. Christina Street, Sarnia, Ontario N7V 3C2
Phone Number: 519-333-2950

Address:
426 Queen Street East, Sault Ste.Marie Ontario P6A 6W2
Phone Number: 705-945-8000

Address:
OSO Township Hall, Sharbot Lake Ontario K0H 2P0
Phone Number: 613-548-6811

Address:
530 Queensway West, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4L2
Phone Number: 519-426-6550

Address:
59 Church Street, St.Catharines Ontario L2R 7N8
Phone Number: 905-988-6200

Address:
145 Curtis Street, PO Box 310, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T9
Phone Number: 519-631-3530

Address:
17 George Street West, Stratford, Ontario N5A 1A6
Phone Number: 519-271-1850

Address:
1 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario N5A 5S4
Phone Number: 519-271-1850

Address:
94A King Street, PO Box 416, Sturgeon Falls, Ontario POH 2G0
Phone Number: 705-753-1090

Address:
159 Cedar Street, 2nd Fl. Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6A5
Phone Number: 705-564-7600

Address:
14 Albert Street North, Sundridge, Ontario P0A 1Z0
Phone Number: 705-746-4237

Address:
277 Camelot Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4B3
Phone Number: 807-343-2700

Address:
48 Spruce Street North, Timmins, Ontario P4N 6M7
Phone Number: 705-360-4231

Address:
47 Sheppard Ave East, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M2N 5X5
Phone Number: 416-326-3554

Address:
207 Cayley St, PO Box 39, Walkerton, Ontario N0G 2VO
Phone Number: 519-881-1772

Address:
40 Broadway Avenue, Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0
Phone Number: 705-945-8000

Address:
102 East Main Street, Welland, Ontario L3B 3W6
Phone Number: 905-735-0010

Address:
701 Rossland Rd. East, Whitby, Ontario L1N 9G7
Phone Number: 905-430-5800

Address:
601 Rossland Rd. East, Whitby, Ontario L1N 9G7
Phone Number: 905-430-5800

Address:
245 Windsor Ave. Windsor, Ontario N9A 1J2
Phone Number: 519-973-6620

Address:
415 Hunter Street, PO Box 70, Woodstock, Ontario N4S 7W5
Phone Number: 519-539-6187

Guides and General Information

Here you will find answers to general questions specific to Small Claims Court Practice and Procedure; you can download the legislation that deals with the Rules of the Small Claims Court and definitions to common words used in the Small Claims Court

General Awnsers

What Is The Small Claims Court?

In Ontario, the Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice. It deals with civil disputes of a monetary value of up to $25,000 (Canadian).

Small Claims Court has simplified rules and procedures.

What kinds of cases go to Small Claims Court?

The Small Claims Court can handle any action for the payment of money or the recovery of possession of personal property where the amount claimed does not exceed $25,000, excluding interest and costs such as Small Claims Court fees. This includes the value of all goods that the plaintiff is asking for in total, no matter how many defendants there are.

If the amount of your claim is more than $25,000, you can still choose to use Small Claims Court. However, you will have to give up any amount of money past the $25,000 mark, as well as any future right to get this excess money in any other court.

You cannot divide the amount of money you are claiming into separate cases. You cannot, for example, divide $20,500 into a $25,000 claim and a $500 claim in order to have the total amount dealt with in two cases.

How much will it cost me to make or defend a claim in the Small Claims Court?

Easy Court offers affordable packages and can walk you through the preparation of your court documents right online. When you proceed to file your documents at the Small Claims Court you will have to pay the court a fee. See the Small Claims Court Fees Tab for a schedule regarding The Small Claims Court fees.

A party - often the successful party - can ask that the other party be ordered to pay his or her costs incurred during the court procedure, such as Small Claims court fees.

If I am successful, how will I collect my money?

It is important to remember that a judgment is an order of the court: it is not a guarantee of payment. If you obtain a judgment in your favor, and the debtor fails to pay you as required by the judgment, you may have to take further steps to enforce (collect) the judgment. Some methods to collecting your money include:

1. Garnishment of Wages

2. Garnishment of Bank Account

3. Lien on Property

How long do I have to start a claim?

There may be a time limit as to how long you can wait before making a claim. If you are uncertain about what period of time applies in your case, you should consult an Easy Court Affiliate for legal advice.

In which Small Claims Court office should I file my claim?

Deciding where to file your claim is an important decision. You must file your claim in the court office that satisfies any of the following criteria:

1. The court in the territorial division where the cause of action arose (i.e. where the event took place or problem occurred);

2. The court in the territorial division in which the defendant lives or carries on business (if there are several defendants, then it can be the court in the territorial division in which any one of them lives or carries on business); or

3. At the court’s place of sitting (deletion made here) nearest to (deletion made here) where the defendant lives or carries on business (if there are several defendants, then it can be the court nearest to the place in which any one of them lives or carries on business).

What proof do I need to support a claim?

You will have to prove your case. Consider what witnesses and/or documents (for example, contracts, NSF cheques, record of payments) you have to support you. If you do not have supporting documents (e.g. you entered into a verbal agreement) or witnesses, your claim may still be successful. However, if it is just your word against the other person's, it may be more difficult to prove your case.

You will be required to utilize the claim form as a short, clear summary of the events that took place and the reasons you think you are entitled to a judgment (court order). Copies of documents that you intend to use to support your claim must be attached to the claim form should you decide to proceed towards trial.

Can an agent or lawyer represent me in Small Claims Court?

Many litigants in Small Claims Court represent themselves. However, a party may also be represented in Small Claims Court by a Paralegal or Lawyer.

What is an example of a typical dispute and process?

The example below represents a typical dispute (reasons for the claim) and provides an overview of the initial steps involved in Small Claims Court to help you to understand how it works. The procedures outlined include:

1. The claim

2. The defence

3. The settlement conference, and

4. The trial

The Plaintiff's Claim

Once you’ve completed your claim using our site you can choose to either file and serve the document yourself or use an (deletion made here) Affiliate to file and serve your document.

Filing Your Self – You can file your claim by mail or in person at your local court location (See Small Claims Court Directory) Tab for a complete listing.

1. You will have to provide the Court with a copy of the Plaintiff's Claim and all of your evidence. To determine the number of copies needed for proper filing, multiply by the number of Plaintiff's and Defendants involved (deletion made here) then add one additional copy for the Court.

2. You will have to pay the court fee (See Small Claims Court Fees Tab)

3. The Court will return the copies of the field, sealed document.

4. You will then have to serve the document by registered mail, courier, personal service or by agent.

5. After serving your document you must file an Affidavit of Service, which you must swear before the Court Clerk or notary.

6. You must then wait 20 business days from the date your documents have been deemed to have been served, in order to allow the Defendant(s) the opportunity to file a Defence.

The Defence

1. Once completing your Defence using Easy Court, have to file your Defence.

2. If you choose to file your Defence yourself, you will have to attend your local Small Claims Court location.

3. You must file your Defence within 20 days of being served with the Plaintiff's Claim

4. Once your Defence is filed, the Court will mail you a court date for a Settlement Conference

The Settlement Conference

1. If a Defence is filed, the Court will set a date for a Pre-Trial Settlement Conference. All parties will meet in front of a judge or referee to try to reach a settlement in the matter.

2. If a settlement is reached all parties will sign a Minutes of Settlement. If the settlement is breached the other party may file for default judgment.

3. If a settlement is not reached, the matter will have to be set down for Trial.

4. 95% of Cases are resolved at Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences.

The Trial

1. The trial occurs before a different judge than the judge that presided over the settlement conference.

2. At the trial, the Parties tell their own stories and then reply to what the other person says.

3. They also call witnesses.

4. The judge accepts the evidence and renders a decision.

After judgment

The successful party may pursue enforcement remedies that include wage garnishment, bank account seizure, property lien and more.

Legal Definitions

Here are some key definitions of words that you will need to understand if you are making or defending a claim in Small Claims Court.

Affidavit

A written statement or declaration of facts that are sworn or affirmed to be true.

Affidavit for Jurisdiction

A plaintiff’s sworn or affirmed written statement that he or she filed the claim:

- in the territorial division where the cause of action arose (i.e. where the event took place or problem occurred);

- at the court in the territorial division in which the defendant lives or carries on business (if there are several defendants, then it can be the court in the territorial division in which any one of them lives or carries on business); or

- at the court’s place of sitting located nearest to the place where the defendant lives or carries on business (if there are several defendants, then it can be the court nearest to the place in which any one of them lives or carries on business).

Claim

The form used to make a demand in Small Claims Court for money or personal property owing. There is a plaintiff’s claim form and a defendant’s claim form.

Consolidation Order

An order permitting a debtor who has more than one Small Claims Court judgment against him or her to combine the judgments under one order and make payments in installments.

Creditor

One to whom a debt is owed.

Debtor

One who owes an obligation to another; for example, an obligation to pay money under a judgment.

Defendant

The person who replies to the claim. The defendant may also make a claim against the plaintiff or some other third party.

Deponent

A person making a statement under oath.

Endorsement Record

A person making a statement under oath. This can’t be correct as it is the same definition as that provided for deponent.

Express Agreement

An agreement that has specifically stated terms.

Garnishee

A person who owes money to the debtor and is being directed to pay it to the court office for the creditor.

Judgment

A decision made by a judge resolving a dispute. Generally, the decision is documented on an endorsement record. You can ask for a copy of an endorsement record at the court office.

Liquidated Claim

A “liquidated” claim is a claim for a sum of money due under an express agreement where the amount is fixed and does not depend on an assessment by the court.

Motion

A process used to make a request to a judge for an order during or after a proceeding.

Order

A written decision made by a judge during the course of a proceeding. An order made by a judge resolving the dispute is also called a judgment. Generally, the decision is documented on an endorsement record. You can ask for a copy of an endorsement record at the court office.

Party

A litigant, usually a plaintiff or defendant.

Person

A human being or an entity (such as a corporation) that is recognized by law as having the rights and duties of a human being.

Plaintiff

A person who makes a claim in Small Claims Court.

Serving

Serving a document means getting it to another person in whatever way the rules of court require and/or accept.

Unliquidated Claim

An “unliquidated” claim is a claim where the amount in dispute is not fixed under an express agreement and requires an assessment of damages by the court (for example, damage to property or a personal injury).

Writ of Delivery

A court order to return personal property to its rightful owner.

A Final Tip - Calculating Timelines

How to COUNT DAYS FOR TIMELINES in the Rules of the Small Claims Court: When calculating timelines in the Rules, count the days by excluding the first day and including the last day of the period; if the last day of the period of time falls on a holiday, the period ends on the next day considered not to be a holiday.

Holidays include:

- Any Saturday or Sunday
- Canada Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year’s Day
- Civic Holiday
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Victoria Day
- Christmas Day
- Any special holiday proclaimed by the Governor General or the Lieutenant Governor

Search Houses (request title searches, corporate profile reports and more…)

Property Title Search

You can search property titles by name and/or address. This will help you determine property that you are planning to sue owns, the amount of equity in the property and can also help you find addresses to serve a party. When using the bar-ex website, if you wish to request a property title search, select “Polaris”.

Corporate Profile Report

This tool will enable you to confirm the legal name of a company you want to sue and its officers/directors. You can also find the registered address of the Corporation which will help you when it comes time to serve your documents.

Reverse Look-Up

If you know the telephone number of the person or company you want to sue but do not know the parties address, this tool could help you. If the parties telephone number is listed you can retrieve thier address, using the reverse lookup tool in this site. This will be helpful when it comes time to serve your documents.

Research

This section provides you with instant access to goverment enitites, sites where you can find legislation that may help you prepare your case, links to process servers, paralegals, lawyers and more...

Useful Links

The government entities can likely provide you with useful Small Claims Court information that will help you prepare your claim or defence

E-Laws

This is where you can find Provincial legislation that may apply to your legal problem link to

Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO)

FSCO regulates insurance, pensions, credit union, caisses populaires, cooperatives, mortgage brokers and Loan & Trust Companies. FSCO's mandate is to enhance consumer confidence and public trust in regulated sectors; and also to make recommendations to the Minister on matters affecting the regulated sectors.

The Ministry of Consumer Services (MCS)

MCBS is responsible for one of the longest lists of statutes in the Ontario government, with a total of 67 statutes and a provision of the Criminal Code. Some of these include:

- Bailiffs Act
- Business Practices Act
- Collection Agencies Act (3rd Party Collection Agencies)
- Consumer Protection Act
- Condominium Act
- Consumer Reporting Act (i.e.: Equifax)
- Loan Brokers Act
- Motor Vehicle Repairs Act
- Ontario New Home Warranties Act
- Residential Complex Sales
- Business Corporations Act
- Corporations Act
- Personal Property and Security Act
- Repair and Storage Liens Act
- Land Titles Act
- Land Registry Reform Act

If you are a consumer having problems with a company that falls under any of these acts, these are the people to get in touch with. They have a very effective complaint process that has in our experience been highly effective.

The Law Society of Upper Canada

The Law Society of Upper Canada is the self-governing body for lawyers in Ontario. The primary responsibility or mandate of the Law Society is to regulate the legal profession in the public interest according to Ontario law and the Law Society's rules, regulations and guidelines To further help the public, the Law Society offers public services such as the Lawyer Referral Service which matches individuals with local lawyers with the proper expertise, a directory of certified specialists and the Lawyers Fund for Client Compensation which helps clients who have lost money because of a lawyer's dishonesty. A member directory, with lawyer's contact information, is also available on-line.

To promote access to justice, the Law Society supports programs such as Pro Bono Law Ontario and the Public Legal Education Task Force.

Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)

OMVIC is a self management body of about 30,000.00 registered car dealers and sales persons in Ontario

This entity operates under the umbrella of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. The administration of this act and its regulations is the direct responsibility of OMVIC. Individuals buying and selling vehicles for a living must adhere to the principals of the act. Otherwise OMVIC has the authority to impose disciplinary and legal action upon them.

Legal Help - Process Servers, Paralegals & Lawyers

Coming Soon.

Options

Information On Small Claims Court Fees and Procedures

Small Claims Court Fees and Forms

Guides and General Information

Rules of the Small Claims Court

General Answers

Legal Definitions

A Final Tip

General Awnsers

Legal Definitions

A Final Tip - Calculating Timelines

Search Houses (request title searches, corporate profile reports and more…)

Research

Useful Links

Legal Help - Process Servers, Paralegals & Lawyers