Getting Started in Small Claims Court:

Question:How can I prepare and file a Plaintiff’s Claim (Form 7A) in Ontario’s Small Claims Court without missing key details?

Answer:SFG Paralegal Services LLP can help Ontario residents plan what to include in a Small Claims Court Plaintiff’s Claim (Form 7A) and how to start the case correctly under Rule 7 before you issue the claim.  The goal is to reduce common filing and pleading mistakes, address risks like the possibility of a counterclaim or third party claim, and explain how decisions about your story can affect outcomes and potential cost awards.  If you want paralegal support reviewing your facts, organizing the documents, and preparing the claim materials, call (888) 398-0121 for help getting started in the Richmond Hill, Durham Region, Windsor, Oshawa, or Vaughan area.

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Commencing Proceedings and Retaining Legal Counsel for Small Claims Court

To start a case in the Small Claims Court requires the issuing of a document known as a Plaintiff's Claim.  The Plaintiff's Claim is a form, known as Form 7A, and is available online.  The main form is relatively easy to complete as much is just filling in the blanks with basic information such as names and addresses of the parties involved in the lawsuit.  More difficult is the telling of the story that gives rise to the lawsuit whereas, in legal matters, the story often must be written in a sensible chronology and will often require some legalese, even in Small Claims Court. Additionally, knowing what should be said and what should be omitted can be crucial.  The prescribed rules for the requirements when beginning a Small Claims Court lawsuit are available for review at Rule 7 of the Rules of the Small Claims Court.

Note: Please contact SFG Paralegal Services LLP by phone at: (888) 398-0121 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

Although many people think of the Small Claims Court as relatively informal, and some legal issues are simple enough that laypeople can handle a case without needing assistance from a lawyer or paralegal, there are concerns to think about.  Concerns to think carefully about include:

• What if I lose?
• What if the Defendant brings a third party claim?
• What if I get the name of someone wrong?
• What if a counterclaim is brought?
• What if the case becomes more complicated than first expected?
• What if legal costs are awarded against me?

The concerns listed above, among others, should be very carefully reviewed before bringing a lawsuit. Understanding and carefully reviewing the potential complications, considerations, and consequences, before starting a lawsuit is highly important.