How long does a civil lawsuit typically take in Ontario?

The timeline of a civil lawsuit in Ontario varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, the court's backlog, and whether the parties settle. A straightforward matter that settles early may resolve in months. A contested case that goes to trial can take several years from start to finish.

Small Claims Court matters generally move faster than Superior Court matters. In the Superior Court, you can expect pleadings, document discovery, and examinations for discovery to take anywhere from several months to over a year before a trial date is even scheduled. Trial dates in busy centres like Toronto can be booked far in advance.

Ontario courts have been working to reduce backlogs, and case management judges in some regions actively push cases toward resolution. Mediation (mandatory in Toronto, Ottawa, and Essex County for civil cases) often helps parties settle without going to trial, which shortens the process significantly. A litigation lawyer can give you a more realistic estimate based on your specific case and region.