*PRE-ORDER, APPROX 2-3 BUSINESS DAYS* The Ontario Small Claims Court by Laurence Olivo 9781553224679 [ZZ]

Book, Captus Press

The Ontario Small Claims Court: A Guide to Practice and Procedure is a comprehensive, practice-focused text designed to reflect the modern realities of Ontario’s Small Claims Court. Fully current as of January 2025 — including the latest amendments to the Rules of the Small Claims Court and changes to the Law Society of Ontario By-Law — this book provides clear, structured guidance through every stage of a Small Claims Court proceeding, from assessing whether to sue to post-judgment enforcement remedies.

The book addresses the significant procedural evolution of the court, including expanded electronic filing, virtual and hybrid hearings, increased monetary jurisdiction to $50,000, updated court fees, and developments affecting appeals and enforcement. Emphasis is placed not only on what the rules require, but on how to apply them effectively in practice.

Using realistic, continuing fictional case scenarios that unfold throughout the text, readers follow disputes from initial client intake through pleadings, motions, settlement conferences, trial, judgment, appeal, and enforcement. Detailed illustrations of Small Claims Court forms demonstrate proper drafting and completion at each stage. Practice tips throughout the text provide quick-reference reminders and strategic guidance for managing files, avoiding procedural errors, and advancing a client’s position efficiently.

In addition to practice and procedure, the book explores:

• Client management and file organization
• Pre-suit investigations and debtor intelligence searches
• Secured and unsecured debt, PPSA considerations, and debt collection regulation
• Assessment and calculation of damages, including interest and statutory limitations
• Default proceedings and setting aside judgments
• Settlement strategy and cost consequences
• Trial preparation and evidence management
• Appeals and motions for new trials
• Comprehensive judgment enforcement strategies, including garnishment and writs of seizure and sale

Relevant provisions of the Rules of the Small Claims Court, the Courts of Justice Act, enforcement legislation, and the Paralegal Rules of Conduct are explained and integrated throughout the text to ensure regulatory compliance and professional responsibility.

Each chapter includes review questions and practical discussion problems to reinforce procedural mastery and analytical skills. Search strategies and commonly used online databases are identified to support pre-suit investigations and enforcement planning.

Written by experienced legal educators and practitioners with extensive courtroom experience, this text presents Small Claims Court procedure in a structured, accessible, and practical format, making it an essential teaching tool and professional reference.

The Ontario Small Claims Court: A Guide to Practice and Procedure is ideal for instructors in Paralegal, Law Clerk, Legal Assistant, and Court and Tribunal Administration programs. Practising lawyers, licensed paralegals, Deputy Judges, collection professionals, and anyone engaged in Small Claims Court litigation will also find it to be an authoritative and practical resource.

Coverage Highlights

• Current as of January 2026
• Reflects recent amendments to the Rules of the Small Claims Court
• Incorporates changes to the Law Society of Ontario By-Law
• Addresses expanded e-filing and virtual/hybrid hearing procedures
• Covers increased monetary jurisdiction and revised court fees
• Includes current search tools and online filing resources

Key Features

• Realistic, continuing fictional case studies that follow disputes from intake to enforcement
• Detailed illustrations and completion guidance for major Small Claims Court forms
• Practice tips throughout for quick procedural reminders and strategic guidance
• Step-by-step coverage of claims, defences, motions, settlement conferences, trials, appeals, and enforcement
• Integrated discussion of debtor–creditor law, PPSA considerations, and regulatory compliance
• Sample interest calculations and guidance on damages assessment
• Review questions and case-based discussion problems in every chapter
• Guidance on pre-suit searches and debtor asset investigations
• Print edition includes expanded appendices and a detailed subject index to support quick and efficient reference