Changes Coming to Ontario Small Claims Court

On October 23, 2019, the Government of Ontario announced that the monetary limit of the Small Claims Court will rise in the new year. On January 1, 2020, the Small Claims Court maximum claim limit will increase to $35,000.00 from the current limit of $25,000.00. In the new year, claims seeking damages up to $35,000.00 must be brought before the Small Claims Court. This change will allow more cases to be resolved more quickly, at a lower cost, and parties will not specifically require a lawyer to represent them.

After January 1, 2020, Small Claims Court litigants will be able to choose whether they are represented, not just by lawyers, but by paralegals and law students. Paralegals and law students will provide litigants with more cost-effective options for legal representation. The change will also reduce wait times for cases at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, due to the fewer number of cases.

Until the increase in the claim limit takes effect on January 1, 2020, claims of over $25,000.00 must be filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. However, the Government of Ontario also declared that once the change takes effect, those who began their claims in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice can seek to have their matter transferred to the Small Claims Court if the amount claimed falls within the new limit of $35,000.00.

In addition to the change to the Small Claims limit, the Government of Ontario announced that it will also increase the minimum monetary amount required for an appeal to the Divisional Court. The minimum monetary amount will increase to $3,500.00 from the current $2,500.00. This change will reduce the number of cases that can be appealed to Divisional Court and encourage litigants to resolve their claims by alternative means.

These changes will give litigants more options to resolve their claims. Those who decide they do not need or cannot afford legal services will have more access to bring the claims themselves. If litigants decide that the services of a paralegal or a law student will suit their needs, they will have the option of retaining those professionals for legal representation instead of a lawyer. Regardless of who is hired to assist with a Small Claims legal matter, it is essential that claims are properly drafted and filed with the court.

Litigants looking for assistance and legal advice should contact Achkar Law. Our lawyers offer candid legal advice that is tailored to the needs of our clients.

If you are an employer who is facing a litigation, or if you are an employee who wants to discuss their rights and options, our team of experienced employment and human rights lawyers at Achkar Law would be happy to help you further navigate the topic.

To see how our office can help with your questions, contact us at 1-800-771-7882, or email [email protected].

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Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to serve as, or should be construed as legal advice, and is only to provide general information. It is in no way particular to your case and should not be relied on in any way. No portion or use of this blog will establish a lawyer-client relationship with the author or any related party. Should you require legal advice for your particular situation, fill out the contact form, call (800)771-7882, or email [email protected].

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I recently had a consultation with Charlie Millar, and I must say, the experience from start to finish was outstanding. From the initial contact with the company to accommodating an urgent call, everything was handled seamlessly. Charles was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, showing a clear understanding of my situation. I'm thoroughly impressed and will definitely reach out to him for any future inquiries

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I was in distressed for 24 hours when I unexpectedly lost my job yesterday. This morning, I had a meeting, and it turns out, I'm not the only one in this position when it comes to employment and that makes this stress less heavy. Thank you Achkard Law for your support and expertise.Looking forward to working with you.Gisele

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The whole team, from the start with Rachel and Charles to the conclusion of the hard work and success by Natalie was very positive. I have never been in a situation of constructive dismissal or without a job. They were an outstanding resource and well worth it. I hope they continue to expand their business and hopefully come out west. I would certainly recommend this company and particularly Natalie.

Derrick Ransom

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Marco Tasca

Excellent, professional and thorough. Communication was always clear and concise and they were open and available for questions and support throughout the whole process. Everyone I dealt with at the office was great. Thank you Madison, Charles and Natalie for your quality work! Couldn't be happier with the process from beginning to end and of course, the result.

Kay Zee

Christopher was extremely supportive during a transitional period at my workplace. Together, we explored my options, and his guidance was consistently insightful. I had an outstanding experience and would certainly enlist his services again anytime in the future.

Matthew Mccormick

I had spoken with Mariel. She was really sympathetic and made everything easy to understand. Calmed my nerves and explained everything fully.

Leandra LeGendre

I had the pleasure of working with Chris regarding a severance package. He was thorough, asked great questions, and made sure things I hadn't thought about were covered and that I was being treated fairly. In addition to being happy with the quality of Chris' work, he was kind and even asked about my daughter. He clearly cares about people and that value came through in our conversations which I appreciated.

Rachel Lea Heide

My first consultation meeting with associate lawyer Mariel was very positive and helpful. I really appreciated her questions, empathy, listening, and expertise and advice she was able to give even at the very beginning of my file. If my work situation doesn't improve, I do look forward to working with Mariel and the Achkar Law firm team to tackle the issues.

Jennifer quirk

I had a great experience. Great team, very helpful and understanding. Will use them again in the future.

Mac MacGillivray

Madison was a great resource and put my mind to ease. I look forward to working with Madison to resolve my claim. Achkar Law took the time to research my concerns, were quick to respond on line and spoke to a lawyer within 24 hours. They provide kind and friendly service and care about their clients.

Adam Buchnea

Charles was very knowledgeable and resolute during our strategy consultation. I appreciated having skilled eyes on our contracts, which will undoubtedly pay off in the long term.

Dakota Little

I had a talk with Charles Millar, and he was a gentleman and a scholar. Very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He demonstrated in depth understanding of the rules and laws surrounding my issue, which made me feel comfortable in his representation.I’ll continue to utilize the skills of Charles as well as the rest of his team.

J. T.

Charles is an absolute professional. He is approachable and answers all the questions that I have regarding my case. He read through all the materials that I shared with him before the meeting, so that I did not need to repeat myself. Our strategy session was very productive, and he shared all the actionable steps and provided great legal advice. I will reach out to him again if we need additional help.

Greg Dixon

Great people to talk to if you need adviceOn a problem you are not sure of give them a call and get it off your mind the best in the business

Changes Coming to Ontario Small Claims Court

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