How long does a civil lawsuit take in Ontario from start to finish?

The duration of a civil lawsuit in Ontario varies enormously depending on the court, the complexity of the dispute, and whether the case settles. There is no fixed timeline, but there are general patterns to understand.

In Small Claims Court, a relatively straightforward matter might be resolved within several months to about a year, from filing to settlement conference and, if necessary, trial. In the Superior Court of Justice, cases involving pleadings, documentary discovery, examinations for discovery, motions, a pre-trial conference, and trial can take two to four years or longer for contested matters. Complex commercial litigation or cases with multiple parties can stretch considerably further.

COVID-19 backlogs have affected Ontario court timelines, and courts have been working through delays. Some regions have longer wait times than others.

Settlement dramatically shortens the process. The majority of Ontario civil disputes that are filed settle before trial — often at or after discoveries or the mandatory pre-trial conference. Mediation is also a powerful tool for shortening timelines.

If time is a significant concern, discuss with a lawyer whether expedited paths are available for your type of claim, whether mediation makes sense early, or whether summary judgment or other pre-trial motions could shorten the proceeding.