Small Claims Court paralegal in Toronto — claims up to $50,000

Small Claims Court is still a court. There are rules, forms, time limits, and a judge or deputy judge who will decide the case if it does not settle. Having representation can help you file the right documents, organize your evidence, and present your claim or defence clearly. Typical matters include unpaid accounts, contract disputes, and other civil claims that belong in this court. Some employment-related claims and certain consumer disputes may also belong here, depending on the facts and the amount in issue.

The $50,000 limit

As of October 1, 2025, the maximum amount of a claim in the Small Claims Court is $50,000. That change is set out in Ontario Regulation 626/00, as amended. If what you are owed is more than $50,000, the claim generally has to go to the Superior Court of Justice, unless you are willing to give up the amount over $50,000 and stay in Small Claims Court. A licensed paralegal may represent you in the Small Claims Court. Representation in the Superior Court generally requires a lawyer. If your matter does not belong in Small Claims Court, Eli will say so.

Time limits

For many civil claims in Ontario, including many Small Claims Court claims, the Limitations Act, 2002 generally requires a proceeding to be started within two years of the day the claim was discovered. The Act also sets out how “discovery” is determined, and it provides for exceptions. The exact deadline depends on the claim. If you think time may be running, get in touch sooner rather than later. Do not treat this summary as a calculation of your own limitation period. This is general information, not legal advice.

How a file usually proceeds

A claim starts with a Plaintiff’s Claim, which is served on the other party. The other party may file a Defence, and sometimes a Defendant’s Claim of their own. Many cases then go to a settlement conference, where a judge helps the parties explore whether the dispute can be resolved without a trial. If it cannot, the matter may be set down for trial. Eli can help at each of these stages: drafting and filing, preparing evidence and witnesses, appearing at the settlement conference, and representing you at trial.

Under Law Society of Ontario By-Law 4, a licensed paralegal is authorized to represent a party in the Small Claims Court, give advice about the proceeding, prepare documents for use in the proceeding, and negotiate in relation to it. That is the work Eli does in this court.

Working with Eli

You work directly with Eli. He can also work with clients in Hebrew. When you contact him, it helps to have a short summary of the dispute, the amount involved, and any contract or invoices. Please do not send confidential documents until he has confirmed that he can take on your matter.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Small Claims Court limit in Ontario?

As of October 1, 2025, the Ontario Small Claims Court may hear claims of up to $50,000. If you are owed more than $50,000, the claim generally belongs in the Superior Court of Justice, unless you are willing to give up the amount over $50,000 and proceed in Small Claims Court. A paralegal may represent you in Small Claims Court, but generally not in the Superior Court.

Is there a time limit to start a Small Claims Court case?

For many civil claims in Ontario, including many claims in Small Claims Court, the Limitations Act, 2002 generally requires a proceeding to be started within two years of the day the claim was discovered. There are exceptions, and the exact deadline depends on the claim. Do not wait to get advice if you think time may be running. This is general information, not advice about your situation.

What kinds of cases does Eli take in Small Claims Court?

Typical matters include unpaid accounts, contract disputes, and other civil claims that belong in this court, including some employment-related claims that fit within the monetary limit and paralegal scope. Eli will help you assess whether Small Claims Court is the right place for your case.

Will I work directly with Eli?

Yes. Clients work directly with Eli. He is based in North York, Toronto, and assists people in the Greater Toronto Area and across Ontario. He can also work with clients in Hebrew.