How long does a Small Claims Court case usually take in Ontario?
The timeline for a Small Claims Court case in Ontario varies considerably depending on the court location, how complex the dispute is, and whether the defendant contests the claim. In busy centres like Toronto, Brampton, or Mississauga, the overall process from filing to trial can take anywhere from several months to well over a year. In smaller centres, scheduling may be faster.
After the defendant files a Defence, the court typically schedules a Settlement Conference — a meeting before a judge or deputy judge where both sides try to resolve the dispute or narrow the issues for trial. If settlement is not reached, the matter is set down for trial, which may be scheduled months later depending on court availability.
Matters that are uncontested (the defendant does not file a Defence) can move much faster; you may be able to obtain a default judgment or set a terms of payment hearing relatively quickly. If you need a binding resolution on a specific deadline for financial or business reasons, discuss the realistic timeline with a paralegal or lawyer before filing.
Key takeaways
- Contested cases often take several months to over a year from filing to trial.
- A Settlement Conference happens before trial and can resolve many disputes.
- Uncontested matters move significantly faster through default judgment.
- Court location and complexity both affect scheduling.