FAQ

A paralegal firm licensed by the Law Society of Ontario is a business that provides legal services to clients in Ontario, Canada. It employs licensed paralegals who are authorized by the Law Society of Ontario to provide legal services in specific areas of law, such as small claims court, traffic court, and provincial offenses.

A paralegal is a legal professional who is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to provide legal services in specific areas of law. They can provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and draft legal documents, but they cannot provide services in all areas of law. A lawyer, on the other hand, is licensed to provide legal services in all areas of law and can represent clients in all courts.

You can check the Law Society of Ontario’s website to confirm if a paralegal firm is licensed. The website has a directory of licensed paralegals and paralegal firms in Ontario.

The cost of hiring a paralegal from a licensed paralegal firm in Ontario varies depending on the services required and the complexity of the legal matter. Paralegal fees are typically lower than lawyer fees, but it is important to discuss the fees and payment arrangements with the paralegal before engaging their services.

Small Claims Court in Ontario will hear claims for money or personal property at a value of $35,000 or less (not including interest or costs). If you are looking to sue for an amount higher than $35,000 you will need to file your claim with the Superior Court of Justice and follow the civil litigation process instead.

In Ontario, the Small Claims Court hears claims for money owed under a variety of agreements, including unpaid accounts for goods or services, unpaid rent, and loans. Damages can also be claimed, including property damage, personal injuries, and damages for breaches of contract.

You can hire a lawyer to represent you in the Small Claims Court in Ontario, but it is not necessary. The court is designed to be accessible to individuals and small businesses who may not be able to afford a lawyer. However, you may still choose to hire a paralegal or other legal professional to assist you with your claim.

The process for a Small Claims Court trial in Ontario is relatively informal. The trial is usually held in a small courtroom or hearing room, and the parties present their evidence and arguments to a judge. The judge will then make a decision based on the evidence presented and issue a judgment.

If you win your Small Claims Court case in Ontario, the court will issue a judgment in your favor. The judgment may include an order for the defendant to pay you a certain amount of money, return property, or take other actions. If the defendant does not comply with the judgment, you may need to take additional legal steps to enforce it.