How long does it typically take for a debt collection lawsuit to resolve in Ontario?

Timeline varies significantly depending on the amount of the debt, which court is involved, and whether the case is contested. In Small Claims Court — for debts up to $35,000 — an uncontested claim (where no Defence is filed) can result in a default judgment within a few weeks to a couple of months after service. If a Defence is filed, the case will go to a settlement conference, which is typically scheduled several months after the Defence, and then to trial if not settled. End-to-end, a contested Small Claims matter might take six months to over a year.

For larger claims in the Superior Court of Justice, the process is considerably longer and more formal. Discovery obligations, mandatory court filings, and scheduling delays in busy court centres mean contested cases often take two to four years or longer to reach trial, though many settle before then.

Factors that extend timelines include: difficulty serving the defendant, requests for time extensions, the court's scheduling availability, and the complexity of the issues. Cases can also be suspended during periods when a defendant files for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, which triggers a stay of proceedings.

Enforcement after judgment — collecting the money — is a separate process and can also take time if the debtor resists. Understanding the likely timeline helps you decide whether litigation is the most practical approach or whether negotiated settlement is worth pursuing early.