Small Claims Court

One main process map covers most SCC matters. Matter types and forms sit below. Enforcement (garnishment, writs, examination) is a separate map after judgment.

Limit. The court hears claims for money or the return of personal property up to $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs (as of 1 October 2025).

Roadmaps

Matter types

Unpaid invoice / account / feesDebt — contract
NSF / dishonoured chequeDebt — returned cheque
Unpaid loan / promissory noteDebt — loan recovery
Failure to perform a contractBreach of contract
Security deposit not returnedReturn of deposit
Property damage / negligenceTort — property
Faulty goods / defective productWarranty / Sale of Goods
Poor-quality services / contractorContract / services
Unpaid wages (within the limit)Employment debt
Rent or damage outside the RTALandlord / tenant (SCC)
Return of personal propertyDetinue / return of property
Minor motor-vehicle / injury claimTort — negligence
Repair and Storage Liens ActRSLA (SCC jurisdiction)
Consumer protection claimConsumer Protection Act, 2002
Money had and receivedUnjust enrichment
Business-partner dispute (within the limit)Contract / accounting
Former tenant — money or damageOften paired with LTB L10

This court does not hear

Title to land or real property
Defamation (libel or slander)
Bankruptcy
False imprisonment or malicious prosecution
Family law
Estate disputes
Claims above the monetary limit
Regulatory / administrative matters

Forms — what they are for

Start and respond

7A
Plaintiff’s Claim
Starts the action
8A
Affidavit of Service
Proof the claim (or other document) was served
9A
Defence
Defendant’s response to the claim
10A
Defendant’s Claim
Counterclaim against the plaintiff or another party
11B
Default Judgment
Judgment when no defence is filed

Hearing

13A
List of Proposed Witnesses
Filed for the settlement conference

Motions

15A
Notice of Motion and Supporting Affidavit
Ask the court for an order
15B
Affidavit
Response (or extra facts) on a motion
11.2A
Request for Clerk’s Order on Consent
Consent order — not a motion

Enforcement

20P
Affidavit for Enforcement Request
Usually required to start enforcement
20A
Certificate of Judgment
Certified copy of the judgment (often for another court)
20E
Notice of Garnishment
Garnish wages, a bank account, or other debt
20C
Writ of Seizure and Sale of Personal Property
Seize and sell personal property
20D
Writ of Seizure and Sale of Land
Bind / sell an interest in land
20H
Notice of Examination
Examine the debtor about ability to pay
20I
Financial Information Form
Debtor’s financial disclosure for examination
20Q
Notice of Garnishment Hearing
Hearing if a garnishment is disputed

Motions

Most requests use Form 15A. Serve ≥ 7 days before the hearing; file ≥ 3 days before, with 8A or 8B. Response: 15B, ≥ 2 days before.

Not a motion. Amend as of right if ≥ 30 days before the original trial date. On consent, some changes use clerk’s order 11.2A instead (amend / add–delete party near trial, set aside default, restore a clerk-dismissed file, payment in full, dismiss).

Claim-stage 15A

Extend time (serve claim, file defence or defendant’s claim)
Substituted service
Set aside noting in default
Set aside default judgment and noting in default
Permission to file a Defence
Permission to file a Defendant’s Claim
Amend claim or defence when not as of right
Add, delete, or substitute a party
Strike out or amend a document
Stay or dismiss
Assessment of damages in writing (all defendants noted in default)
Set aside dismissal as abandoned / restore a clerk-dismissed claim
Adjourn settlement conference or trial
Set aside or vary an order made without notice
New trial (after trial)

After-judgment / garnishment motions sit on the Enforce map.

Reference only — not legal advice. Forms, periods, and procedures change. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority (LTB / Tribunals Ontario, Ontario Courts, Global Affairs Canada / competent authority for Apostille) before you act. This material does not create a client relationship with Bai Legal Services.