What disputes do we handle?
Civil litigation is any dispute where one party seeks money or a court order from another, rather than a criminal penalty. It is the core of our practice. We regularly act in:
- Contract and debt disputes — unpaid invoices, broken agreements, loans and guarantees
- Employment disputes, including wrongful dismissal claims
- Insurance claims that have been delayed, underpaid or denied
- Personal injury claims — see personal injury
- Real estate lawsuits — failed closings, deposits, misrepresentation and defects
- Workplace injury (WSIB) matters
- Small Claims Court actions and defences
Have you been served with a statement of claim?
Act quickly. Under Ontario’s court rules, a defendant served in Ontario generally has 20 days to respond — a statement of defence in the Superior Court of Justice, or a defence in Small Claims Court. If no defence is filed in time, the plaintiff can ask the court to note you in default and obtain judgment without hearing your side.
Bring the claim and every related document to a consultation. We will review the deadline, the strength of the claim against you, any counterclaim you may have, and whether an early settlement makes sense.
Which court will my case be heard in?
It depends mainly on the amount at stake:
- Small Claims Court — claims up to $50,000 (the limit rose from $35,000 on October 1, 2025). Simpler procedures, lower costs, and parties may represent themselves.
- Superior Court of Justice, Simplified Procedure — most claims up to $200,000, with streamlined steps.
- Superior Court of Justice, ordinary procedure — larger and more complex claims, with full documentary and oral discovery.
Source: Ontario Regulation 42/25 (Small Claims Court jurisdiction); Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 76. Verified October 2026.
How long do I have to start a lawsuit in Ontario?
Under Ontario’s Limitations Act, 2002, the basic limitation period is two years from the day you discovered — or reasonably should have discovered — the claim. Some claims have shorter notice periods, so the safest course is to get advice as soon as a dispute arises.
How does a civil case move through the courts?
Assessment & strategy
We review the facts and documents, identify deadlines and give you a candid view of your options.
Demand & negotiation
Many disputes resolve with a well-reasoned demand letter or early negotiation.
Pleadings & discovery
Claims and defences are filed, documents are exchanged and parties are examined under oath.
Settlement or trial
Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation; the rest are decided by a judge at trial.
A note on legal costs
In Ontario civil litigation, the court usually orders the unsuccessful party to pay part of the successful party’s legal costs. That risk works in both directions, and it is one of the factors we weigh with you before every major step.
Last reviewed: October 3, 2026General information about Ontario law — not legal advice for your situation.