SCC · Main process
Claim → Judgment
High-level path for most Small Claims Court matters — whether you are advancing a claim or responding to one.
- 1
Confirm the claim
Money or return of personal property · within the court’s limit
Limit is $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs (as of 1 Oct 2025). Many claims have a two-year limitation period — confirm for the cause of action.
- 2
Issue Plaintiff’s Claim
Form 7A filed with the Small Claims Court clerk
- 3
Serve the claim
Valid service on each defendant
Serve within 6 months of issuance. File Form 8A (Affidavit of Service).
- 4
Defence window
Time for the defendant to serve and file a Defence
20 days if served in Ontario. Confirm the Rules if served outside Ontario.
After the defence window
Default
No Defence
Note in default · Default Judgment (Form 11B)
Continue
Defence filed
Form 9A served and filed with proof of service
Motions during the claim — see SCC Motions list.
- 6
Settlement conference
Required in every defended action
Rules: within 90 days after the first Defence is filed. Form 13A — list of proposed witnesses.
- 7
Trial
If the matter is not resolved at the conference
- 8
Judgment
Order for money and/or return of property
If unpaid — Enforcement map
© Bai Legal Services · bailegal.caPlease credit this page if you quote. Reference only — not legal advice.
Common file items
- ·Plaintiff’s Claim (Form 7A)
- ·Affidavit of Service (Form 8A)
- ·Defence (Form 9A) — if responding or received
- ·Defendant’s Claim (Form 10A) — if a counterclaim is made
- ·List of Proposed Witnesses (Form 13A) — defended actions
After judgment. If the order is not paid, collecting money is a separate process. Open Enforcement 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.