About the Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice, and handles nearly half of

all civil claims in the province. The Court has civil jurisdiction over monetary claims up to

$25,000, and provides an efficient and cost-effective forum for Ontarians to bring or defend

these claims. The Rules of the Small Claims Court provide for streamlined procedures so that

cases can be determined at a lower cost and in less time for litigants than cases commenced in

the Superior Court.

Typically, deputy judges preside over proceedings in the Small Claims Court. Deputy Judges are

senior lawyers appointed for a term by the Regional Senior Judge with the approval of the

Attorney General. Judges assigned to the Provincial Court (Civil Division) before September 1,

1990 may also hear Small Claims Court proceedings pursuant to the Courts of Justice Act. Every

judge of the Superior Court of Justice is also a judge of the Small Claims Court.

A Faster, More Convenient Way to File in Small Claims Court – Ontario Launches E-filing

Service for Fixed Claims $25,000 and Under.

Ontarians now have a faster, easier way to make a claim in small claims court with the launch of

a new online filing service. E-filing is a simple, convenient way to file a claim in small claims

court without entering a courthouse.

Individuals and businesses from across Ontario can now file small claims court forms and pay

court filing fees online, 24-hours- a-day. Claims that are eligible for e-filing include those set out

in a contract of $25,000 or less, such as unpaid accounts for goods and services, loans, credit

card debt and overdue rent.