Last Updated: August 22 2026
What’s the difference between Small Claims Court and Simple Cases Court in Ontario, and how do the Small Claims Court rules affect my money claim?
VP Legal Services & Notary can help Ontario residents prepare for Small Claims Court rather than any “Simple Cases Court” process, because the Small Claims Court hears money claims under $35,000 (effective January 1, 2020) and the $35,000 limit applies exclusive of court costs, legal representation costs, and interest. The Rules of the Small Claims Court act like a practical step-by-step guide for filing and progressing your case, but they’re meant to be liberally construed for an expeditious and least expensive fair outcome, and the judge has broad discretion if the rules don’t directly cover an issue (sometimes referencing the Rules of Civil Procedure). If you’re unsure what documents to file, deadlines to meet, or how to present your claim or defence, contact (437) 286-1499 to speak with a paralegal and notary about efficient, cost-conscious next steps.
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It Is the Small Claims Court Rather Than the Simple Cases Court
A case in the Small Claims Court may involve legal issues that are just as complicated, and sometimes even more complicated, than a case in the higher court that handles matters above the $35,000 limit applicable to Small Claims Court (the limit of $35,000 became effective January 1 2020). Do note that court costs and legal representative costs, are exclusive from the $35,000 limit.
Note: Please contact VP Legal Services & Notary by phone at: (437) 286-1499 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
The Procedural Law
Similarly to legal disputes for amounts over the $35,000 limit of the Small Claims Court, as are litigated within the higher court, a Small Claims Court case involves a procedural set of rules that apply and govern the stages and steps within the process of how a legal matter is conducted. Additionally, the substantive law specific to the issues within the legal dispute also apply. For a Small Claims Court case, the Rules of the Small Claims Court set out the procedural law as, essentially, a how to manual for the requirements of conducting a Small Claims Court case. This procedural law prescribes the documents required as well as a general step-by-step outline for how a case moves from one stage to another stage.
Interestingly, although the Rules of the Small Claims Court are a set of rules, the rules are very flexible and may receive significant latitude by a judge of the Small Claims Court. Additionally, a judge in the Small Claims Court may make reference to the Rules of Civil Procedure, R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 194, where necessary. This flexibility in applying the Rules of the Small Claims Court was confirmed and explained by the Court of Appeal within the reasons for decision as stated in Kelava v. Spadacini, 2021 ONCA 428. Specifically, the Rules of the Small Claims Court and the reasons in Kelava state:
General Principle
1.03 (1) These rules shall be liberally construed to secure the just, most expeditious and least expensive determination of every proceeding on its merits in accordance with section 25 of the Courts of Justice Act.
Matters Not Covered in Rules
(2) If these rules do not cover a matter adequately, the court may give directions and make any order that is just, and the practice shall be decided by analogy to these rules, by reference to the Courts of Justice Act and the Act governing the action and, if the court considers it appropriate, by reference to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
[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.
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[18] The rules are to be read in their entire context having regard to their nature, purpose, scheme, and object. The Small Claims Court Rules, read in their entirety, emphasize facilitating access to justice. They begin with guidance as to their interpretation. Rule 1.03(1) provides:
These rules shall be liberally construed to secure the just, most expeditious and least expensive determination of every proceeding on its merits in accordance with section 25 of the Courts of Justice Act. O. Reg. 258/98, r. 1.03 (1). [Emphasis added]
[19] To further provide for the achievement of their objectives, the rules give broad discretion to the court. If the rules do not directly address a matter, the court may give directions and make “any order that is just”. In order to implement the order, the practice is to be decided by analogy to the Small Claims Court Rules. Then, “if the court considers it appropriate” the court may refer to the Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 1.03(2) provides:
If these rules do not cover a matter adequately, the court may give directions and make any order that is just, and the practice shall be decided by analogy to these rules, by reference to the Courts of Justice Act and the Act governing the action and, if the court considers it appropriate, by reference to the Rules of Civil Procedure. O. Reg. 78/06, s. 3. [Emphasis added.]
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More Information Is Available About Small Claims Court Rules...
Here are links to twenty (20) other webpages:
Additional Resources:
For sources of further helpful information regarding the rules of procedure and forms applicable to the Small Claims Court, see:
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Forms of the Small Claims Court
NOTE: An extensive array of inquiries such as “lawyers in my area” or “top lawyer in” frequently indicates a desire for prompt and competent legal counsel instead of a particular designation. In Ontario, certified paralegals are governed by the same Law Society that regulates lawyers and are permitted to represent clients in specified litigation issues. Their role is grounded in advocacy, legal reasoning, and procedural expertise. VP Legal Services & Notary offers legal representation within its sanctioned mandate, focusing on strategic positioning, evidence preparation, and compelling advocacy aimed at securing effective and advantageous outcomes for clients.
