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Does Hiring a Small Claims Court Paralegal Provide a Significant Case Advantage?
Small Claims Court Does Not Mean Simple Court! Cases Can Be Brought for Up to $35,000 involving Complex Legal Matters and While Laypersons Are Permitted to Represent Themselves, Professional Paralegal Representation Likely Offers the Greatest Chance For Success.
As is stated upon the website for the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Small Claims Court is the busiest civil litigation court in Ontario. Additionally, whereas the Small Claims Court is mandated to process matters quickly, receiving professional Small Claims Court Paralegal assistance from Civil Litigations Paralegal Services is of great importance.
Small Claims Court Cases
Handled May Include:
Repayment of Monies Owed
Including unpaid loans, outstanding invoices, credit card balances, etc.
Accidental Damage to Property
Includes causes such as water escape, falling trees, vehicle impact, etc.
Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Includes sale of vehicles unfit for purpose, poor work by mechanics, etc.
Faulty Work By Contractors
Includes roofers, landscapers, electricians, among other renovation services.
Breached Real Estate Sale
Includes failure to finalize deal on closing date, removal of fixtures, etc.
Personal Rights Issues
Including nuisance, trespass, breach of privacy, defamation, among other issues.
Recently, the role and mandate of the Small Claims Court was well summarized by the Court of Appeal within the case of Kelava v. Spadacini, 2021 ONCA 428 wherein it was said:
[15] The Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice. It handles nearly half of the civil disputes in the province. The court is meant to provide an efficient, cost-effective forum for the resolution of civil disputes involving less than $35,000. It hears cases in a summary way and “may make such order as is considered just and agreeable to good conscience”: The Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43, s. 25.
[16] In short, the court embodies the foundations of access to justice: informality, affordability, timely resolution, accessibility for self-represented people and active judicial engagement. By providing access to justice, the court has an important role in the administration of justice for the province.