Getting Started in Small Claims Court:

Question:How can a paralegal help me start a Small Claims Court lawsuit in Ontario using Form 7A?

Answer:To start a Small Claims Court case in Ontario, you generally file a Plaintiff’s Claim using Form 7A and follow the filing and content requirements in Rule 7 of the Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98; a paralegal at Bulat Paralegal Service can help you choose what facts to include, avoid adding unnecessary details, confirm correct naming of parties, and ensure your documents align with the rules so you are less likely to face delays or procedural issues later    for hands-on help with your Form 7A and next steps, call (705) 664-0334 to discuss your matter with Bulat Paralegal Service.

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Commencing Proceedings and Retaining Legal Counsel for Small Claims Court

Getting a legal case started within the Small Claims Court involves issuance of a formal document known as a Plaintiff's Claim.  The Plaintiff's Claim document is known as a Form 7A and can be found online.  The main parts of the Form 7A document are quite easy to complete as such simply involves filling in a few blanks of information.  The more challenging aspect of starting a lawsuit is knowing what parts of the story to say and what parts of the story to avoid saying, if any.  There are various rules regarding the extent of information that is required.  The rules on starting a Small Claims Court lawsuit, referred to formally as commencing a proceeding, are found in Rule 7 of the Rules of the Small Claims Court.

Note: Please contact Bulat Paralegal Service by phone at: (705) 664-0334 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

Although many people think of the Small Claims Court as relatively informal, and some legal issues are simple enough that laypeople can handle a case without needing assistance from a lawyer or paralegal, there are concerns to think about.  Concerns to think carefully about include:

• What if a counterclaim is brought against me?
• What if I lose the lawsuit?
• What if I lose and legal costs are awarded against me?
• What if the Defendant includes a 'third party'?
• What if I name someone wrong?
• What if the case is more complicated than expected?

The concerns listed above, among others, should be very carefully reviewed before bringing a lawsuit. Understanding and carefully reviewing the potential complications, considerations, and consequences, before starting a lawsuit is highly important.