LAWCRESTSmall claims lawyer in Mississauga
Owed money, or facing a claim? Lawcrest helps individuals and businesses across Mississauga and the GTA make or defend claims in Ontario's Small Claims Court, with clear advice and a practical plan from the first step to collection.
Small Claims Court hears money claims up to $50,000, not counting interest and costs. Most claims must be started within two years, so do not wait.
416-830-3369What is Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court is part of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. It is designed to resolve smaller money disputes faster, and with simpler procedures, than regular civil court. It can order someone to pay money or return personal property, up to $50,000 not counting interest and costs.
You are allowed to represent yourself, but the process still involves strict forms, deadlines and rules of evidence. We help you decide how much support you need, and do the heavy lifting where it counts.
Whether you are the person making the claim or the person responding to it, the outcome often depends on preparation: clear evidence, the right documents filed on time, and a realistic view of what can be recovered.
- IndividualsUnpaid loans, deposits, damaged property, disputes with contractors or sellers.
- BusinessesUnpaid invoices, supplier and customer disputes, equipment and goods.
- Claimants and defendantsWe act for people making a claim and for people defending one.
Types of claims we handle
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly whether Small Claims Court is the right place for it.
Unpaid invoices and debts
Customers or clients who have not paid for goods delivered or services completed.
Personal loans
Money lent to a friend, relative or acquaintance that has not been repaid.
Property damage
Damage to your belongings, vehicle or property caused by someone else.
Deposits and refunds
Deposits that were not returned, or refunds owed for goods or services not delivered.
Contractor and renovation
Poor or unfinished work, delays and payment disagreements with tradespeople.
Defective goods and services
Products or services that were not as described or not fit for the purpose.
Vehicle and equipment sales
Disputes after buying or selling a vehicle, tools or equipment.
Business disputes
Smaller agreements between businesses, partners, vendors and customers.
Is it worth making a claim?
A strong claim on paper is not always a good claim in practice. We help you weigh the real costs and benefits before you spend time and money.
- Do you have evidence?Contracts, emails, texts, invoices, photos and records of payment carry real weight.
- Can the other side pay?A judgment is only useful if there is a realistic way to collect it.
- Is the amount worth the effort?Compare the likely recovery against your time, court fees and legal costs.
- Have you made a clear demand?A written demand often settles the matter, and it strengthens your position if it does not.
- Are you within the time limit?Most claims must be started within two years of when the problem was discovered.
How a Small Claims case works
The steps are the same whether you are claiming or defending. We guide you through each one.
Demand and preparation
We review your documents, confirm the facts and send a formal demand letter. Many disputes settle at this stage.
File and serve the claim
The claim is prepared and filed with the court, then delivered to the defendant. It generally must be served within six months of being issued.
Defence and response
The defendant usually has 20 days after service to file a defence. If none is filed, the claimant may be able to seek default judgment.
Settlement conference
A judge meets the parties to discuss the case and encourage a settlement. Many cases are resolved here without a trial.
Trial
If there is no settlement, a judge hears evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a decision.
Judgment and collection
A judgment is only the start. We can help you enforce it by tools such as garnishment, seizure of assets or a debtor examination.
Been served with a claim? Act quickly.
Being sued in Small Claims Court is stressful, but you have options. The most important thing is not to ignore it. Deadlines are short and missing them can have serious consequences.
What to do right away
Read the claim carefully and note the date you were served. You usually have 20 days after service to file a defence. If you miss it, the other side may obtain a default judgment against you.
Your options include disputing the claim, negotiating a settlement, or making your own claim against the other party. Contact us immediately and bring every document you received.
How Lawcrest helps
Choose the level of support that suits your matter. We explain what each option involves and what it may cost before you decide.
Ask us about advice-only or limited support if you only need help with part of the process.
- Case assessmentAn honest view of the strengths, risks and likely outcome.
- Demand letters and negotiationClear, professional letters and settlement discussions on your behalf.
- Claim and defence documentsAccurate court documents prepared and filed on time.
- Evidence and witnessesOrganizing your proof and preparing you to present it.
- Settlement conference and trialRepresentation in court from first appearance to decision.
- Enforcing the judgmentPractical steps to collect what you are owed.
Costs and what you can recover
Knowing the likely costs up front helps you decide whether and how to proceed.
Court feesPaid to the court
Filing a claim, and some later steps, involve court fees. These change from time to time, so we confirm the current amounts for you.
Legal costsRecovery is limited
Small Claims Court limits how much of your legal fees the other side can be ordered to pay. We discuss this with you openly so there are no surprises.
InterestMay be added
Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest may be available on top of the amount claimed, in line with the rules.
CollectingNot automatic
Winning does not put money in your pocket by itself. Enforcement tools exist, and we advise you on the most effective ones.
Do not wait: time limits apply
Under Ontario's Limitations Act, 2002, a claim generally must be started within two years of the day you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the problem. After that, the other side may be able to defeat the claim no matter how strong it is.
Some situations have different or special deadlines, so get advice as soon as a dispute arises.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- Contracts, quotes or agreements
- Invoices, receipts and proof of payment
- Emails, texts and letters with the other party
- Photos, repair estimates or reports
- Any demand letter, claim or court document
- A short timeline of what happened and when
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us with something that matters. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss fees at the start so you can decide with full information.
Right-sized help
Full representation or targeted support, whichever fits your claim.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your matter moves.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Both sides covered
We act for those making a claim and those defending one.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
Do I need a lawyer for Small Claims Court?
No, you may represent yourself. A lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes with forms, deadlines and evidence, and can handle negotiation and court appearances for you.
What if my claim is more than $50,000?
Small Claims Court is limited to $50,000, not counting interest and costs. Some people give up the extra amount to stay in Small Claims Court, while others sue in the Superior Court of Justice. We can advise which is better for you.
How long does a case take?
It varies by court location and how contested the case is. Some settle within weeks of a demand letter, while contested cases can take many months.
How do I collect after I win?
The court does not collect for you. Enforcement tools include garnishing wages or bank accounts, seizing assets and examining the debtor about their finances. We advise on what is realistic.
What if the other side ignores the claim?
If a defence is not filed on time, you may be able to ask for a default judgment. We handle the steps for you.
Can we settle before trial?
Often yes. Settlement can happen at any stage, including at the settlement conference. We pursue it when it serves your interests.
How is Small Claims Court different from Superior Court?
Small Claims Court has a lower limit and simpler procedures, so it is usually faster and less expensive. Larger or more complex disputes go to the Superior Court of Justice.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
Lawcrest
@2026