Area’s of Practice, Descriptions and more.
Ontario Small Claims Court
Specializing in Small Claims matters & Debt Collection
In Ontario, the Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice. It deals with civil disputes of a monetary value of up to $35,000 (Canadian). Small Claims Court has simplified rules and procedures. When it comes to Small Claims Court in Ontario, people often wonder if they need a paralegal, or anyone at all? After all, isn’t Small Claims Court meant to be a ‘court of the people’? While this is true, the reality is going to court on your own can be quite tedious and difficult.
Here are just 3 of the many reasons why:
1) Potential To Name The Wrong Party…
It’s not always a clear-cut case of who the correct Defendant should be. For instance, does the Defendant act as a corporation or a sole proprietorship? Consider the case where you name someone’s business name when really no such legal business or name really exists. In such case, you would have gone through an entire Small Claims Court proceeding, and even if you win, when it comes time to collecting, there is no business entity to collect from?
2) Not Obtaining The Right Evidence – Or Any At All…
Like any court proceeding, a Small Claims Court trial requires that you prove your case with evidence. A judge is not going to tell you what you need to rely upon to win. As judges have little sympathy for a claim of ignorance. Don’t make the same mistake. Let JH Paralegal help you determine what evidence is necessary to win!
3) Failure To Know The Law Is No Excuse…
When it comes to Small Claims Court there are certain rules that require parties to take certain steps. For example; did you know that if you fail to serve evidence within the time prescribed by the Rules of the Small Claims Court you can be precluded from relying upon that evidence at trial? This is just one example of the numerous rules and procedures involved in Small Claims Court.
Whether you are the Plaintiff or Defendant, JH Paralegal can provide representation through the entire Small Claims Court process! From drafting and filing a claim to drafting and filing a Defence in response to a claim, as well as all the necessary legal procedures that follow, I am focused on achieving the best possible outcome for my clients, all in the most cost-effective manner.
Other Areas of Practice
Various Tribunals such as Landlord & Tenant, Human rights, Employment Law, Agriculture & more.
PROVINCIAL OFFENCES: Provincial Offences are infractions that are heard by the Ontario Court of Justice including Municipal by-law infractions, Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health and Safety, Trespass to Property Act, and others.
LANDLORD & TENANT: Ontario now offers a standardized rental lease agreement. This agreement may have clauses added but not removed. It is good practice to have a legal professional look over a Lease Agreement before signing.
ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: The Ontario Human Rights Code protects people in Ontario against discrimination in employment, accommodation, goods, services, and facilities, and membership in vocational associations and trade unions.
Other Services Available
Legal Research
City and Municipal By-law interpretation, Municipal Zoning, Severances, naming parties, Small Claims “Limited Scope Retainer”; including researching the facts of the case as well as identifying the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles relevant to the case and any research needed.
Limited Scope Retainer
A limited scope retainer or an “unbundling” agreement is used in situations where a traditional retainer is not appropriate or affordable for the client, which allows me to help with discrete tasks such as the preparation of court documents, limited court appearances, or consultations with clients about particular steps in litigation, etc. With limited scope assistance, you may be able to handle the whole case yourself, except for a few legal issues where a paralegal can help you. I can talk with you about the specific assistance that I can offer in your particular case.
Notary Public & Commissioning Service(s) Available
Country Property Management
What we do…
As an owner of a single-family home, condominium, or multi-family building, you may engage the services of a professional property management company. We will then advertise the rental property for you, handle tenant inquiries, screen applicants, select suitable candidates, draw up lease agreements, conduct move-in, and move-out inspections, move the tenant(s) into the property, and collect rental income. The company will then coordinate any maintenance issues, supply the owner(s) with financial statements and any relevant information regarding the property, etc.
“The Country Touch”
“No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.”
DISCLAIMER:
I am not a lawyer and I do not have the same scope of practice as a lawyer. I do have the authority to represent clients before all Tribunals in Ontario such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, Human Rights Commission, WSIB, the Ontario Small Claims Court, the Ontario Court of Justice on summary convictions (criminal) and on provincial offence matters. Please consult myself or another paralegal directly for advice on your individual legal matter. Please be advised that having a discussion does not create a paralegal-client relationship. If a paralegal-client relationship is established, a retainer and authorization agreement will be signed by both the client and paralegal.