Small Claims Court Limit Increase

Ontario Making It Faster, Easier, More Affordable to Settle Small Claims

The Ontario Paralegal Association is pleased to announce a change in the Small Claims Court. As of January 1st 2020, the Small Claims Court monetary jurisdiction will increase from $25,000 to a maximum of $35,000.

This change by the Ministry of Attorney General of Ontario is a great step forward for access to justice.

“Our government is increasing the maximum claim limit for Small Claims Court to help people and businesses spend less time in courtrooms and less money on costly lawyer fees,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “As a result of the change, more people will be able to file and respond to claims using less expensive representation, such as paralegals and law students, or through self-representation.”

The minimum amount of a claim that may be appealed to Divisional Court will also increase from $2,500 to $3,500. Litigants who started a claim in the Superior Court will be permitted to transfer their case to Small Claims Court if the claim falls within the monetary threshold. These changes will cut down wait times in courtrooms, and give parties more cost-efficient representation options such as paralegals.

The Ontario Paralegal Association is pleased with the current changes and looks forward to continuing its work with the Ministry of Attorney General to further promote and make access to justice work for Ontarians.

Read the full Press Release 
(https://news.ontario.ca/mag/en/2019/10/ontario-making-it-faster-easier-more-affordable-to-settle-small-claims.html)