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Self-Represented Litigant Guide

Small Claims Court AI Guide

Navigate small claims court without a lawyer. Step-by-step guidance for Canadian courts with real forms, fees, and timelines.

Select Your Province

8-Step Small Claims Process

Filing Fees - Ontario

Claim AmountFiling Fee
Up to $500$49.64
$500.01 - $1,000$69.39
$1,000.01 - $2,000$79.28
$2,000.01 - $3,000$99.03
Over $3,000$131.21

Fees listed are current as of 2026 and are subject to change. Confirm with your local court office.

Ontario Small Claims Court Forms

1A

Plaintiff's Claim (General)

Form 1A

2A

Defendant's Claim

Form 2A

9A

Defence

Form 9A

10A

Request for Clerk's Order on Consent

Form 10A

11A

Affidavit

Form 11A

14A

Judgment

Form 14A

20A

Summons to Witness

Form 20A

Download forms from the Ontario Court Services website or request from your local court office.

Critical Deadlines & Timelines

Limitation period

File claim within 2 years of injury or discovery (varies by province)

Service deadline

Serve defendant within 1 year of filing (extensions may be available)

Defence deadline

Defendant has 20 days to file defence after being served

Settlement conference

Scheduled 4-8 weeks after defence filed

Trial scheduling

If not settled, trial scheduled 2-6 months after conference

Appeal deadline

Appeal must be filed within 30 days of judgment

Next Steps in Your Journey

Ready to move forward? Use these complementary Claritum tools to strengthen your case:

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about small claims court procedures in Canada. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Laws vary by province and change frequently. Before taking action, consult with a lawyer in your jurisdiction. Claritum is not responsible for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from use of this information.

Claritum Decision Intelligence Engine | Small Claims Court AI Guide | 2026

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