Canada - Ontario Debt Collection Guide
Filing fees, claim limits, demand letter requirements, court process, service rules, and enforcement options for collecting money in Canada - Ontario. Verify local court rules before filing.
Court
Small Claims Court (Superior Court of Justice)
Filing Fee
C$102 for claims, C$50 infrequent claimant (~$75 USD)
Claim Limit
C$50,000 (approx $36,000 USD approx.)
Timeline
3-6 months
Filing Instructions
- 1Complete a Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A)
- 2File at the Small Claims Court office in the appropriate territorial division
- 3Pay filing fee
- 4Serve the defendant personally or by alternatives within 6 months
- 5Defendant has 20 days to file a Defence
- 6If no defence, move for default judgment
- 7Settlement conference is mandatory before trial
Required Forms
- - Form 7A - Plaintiff's Claim
Service Rules
Must be served personally, by mail with acknowledgment, or by courier. Cannot serve yourself.
Legal Basis
Courts of Justice Act, O. Reg. 258/98 (Small Claims Court Rules)
Enforcement Options
- - Garnishment of wages or bank accounts
- - Writ of Seizure and Sale
- - Examination of debtor (judgment debtor exam)
Online Filing Portal
https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-small-claims-court-claimImportant Notes
Settlement conferences are mandatory. Representation by paralegals is common. Ontario increased the Small Claims Court jurisdiction to C$50,000 effective October 1, 2025.
Start with a demand letter
Document the claim before escalating to a court or tribunal.
Start Your Case