Civil Litigation
About This Practice
Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving disputes over money, contracts, property, or harm — when negotiation alone has not worked. In Ontario, these cases run under the Rules of Civil Procedure, and where you file depends on the amount. Small Claims Court handles disputes up to $35,000. The Simplified Procedure covers claims up to $200,000, and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice hears larger or more complex matters.
Timing matters from day one. Under Ontario's Limitations Act, 2002, most civil claims must be started within two years of when you discovered the problem. Miss that window and you may lose the right to sue, even with a strong case. Settlement talks do not pause that clock unless there is a written agreement.
A typical case moves through pleadings, exchange of documents and examinations (discovery), mediation, and, if needed, trial. Most matters in Ontario take one to three years, and many settle before trial.
How We Work
We start by being honest about the strengths, costs, and realistic outcomes of your dispute. We push for early settlement or mediation where it serves you, and we prepare every file as if it is going to trial. You will always know where things stand and what the next decision costs.
Contact the firm to speak with a lawyer in this practice area.
Frequently Asked
Under Ontario’s Limitations Act, 2002, most civil claims must be filed within two years of when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the problem. Some claims have different deadlines. Because the clock can run quietly while you are still negotiating, it is worth getting advice early.
In Ontario, claims up to $35,000 go to Small Claims Court, which is faster and less formal. Larger claims use the Simplified Procedure (up to $200,000) or the Superior Court of Justice. The right venue depends on the dollar amount and complexity, and we can help you choose.
Most civil cases in Ontario settle before trial, often at or after mandatory mediation. That said, we prepare every matter as if it will be tried, because strong trial preparation usually leads to better settlement terms. We will discuss the costs and trade-offs of settling versus continuing at each stage.