Small claims is a great way to pursue debts or unpaid accounts for engineering services. The Ontario Small Claims Court is specifically designed to manage cases that are valued at $25,000 and under (not including interest and costs), and its rules and procedures are flexible enough to allow individuals to represent themselves successfully, including at trial. Particularly beneficial for engineering consultants and small businesses, this economically viable option means your biggest commitment likely becomes your time.
Keep in mind that when you choose to represent yourself, it is your sole responsibility to ensure that you have complied with the rules of procedure, including meeting court-mandated deadlines. The accessibility of the court system does not mean reduced personal responsibility for being organized and managing your own case properly.
Matters in small claims court typically follow a standardized procedure, with the five major steps including:
Want to learn more about small claims court?
Successfully navigating Ontario’s small claims court system is relatively easy given the court’s flexible rules of procedure. But make no mistake – just because the rules are relaxed does not mean that the court will hold your hand throughout the entire process.
On March 22, 2017, OSPE is hosting a Small Claims Court Course that is designed to teach you how to effectively manage your own case in the Ontario Small Claims Court, including both how to navigate the administrative side, such as how to prepare, file and serve court documents, as well as practical tips for what is required to successfully prove a claim.
The experts, and our preferred partners from Corestone Law, will walk you through the technical aspects of the process, from preparing a Plaintiff’s or Defendant’s Claim, to compiling a document brief. Learn best practices for retaining experts to help prove your case, tips for preparing to appear before a deputy judge in a settlement conference, and more.
Save yourself time and money by gaining the confidence you need to represent yourself in small claims court. Get more information and register here today.
Plus, stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on collecting unpaid accounts.
This blog post was prepared in partnership with Corestone Law, the official legal partner of choice for OSPE. Corestone Law focuses on construction, property and professional liability law. This article is meant as an overview for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For any questions or concerns, please contact info@corestone.ca.
johnconlin@bell.net