Small Claims Court / tribunal letter explained in English
Small claims court or tribunal. Courts and tribunals for money and housing disputes, for example unpaid bills, damage or deposits. You can go without a lawyer.
Letters you may get
- Plaintiff’s claim — someone is suing you for money
- Notice of hearing or settlement conference — the date you must attend
- Default judgment — the court decided against you because you didn’t answer
What to do
- Answer by the deadline in the papers — for example 20 days in Ontario Small Claims Court. If you don’t, the court can decide without you.
- Many community legal clinics and law school clinics give free help.
- Find the deadline. Look for “deadline”, “pay by”, “due date”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“notice of objection”, “request for reconsideration”, “appeal”, “objection”, “review”, “dispute”). See the template.
Words you may see
- small claims court
- A simpler court for smaller money disputes. You can go without a lawyer.
Questions
What is the Small Claims Court / tribunal?
Small claims court or tribunal. Courts and tribunals for money and housing disputes, for example unpaid bills, damage or deposits. You can go without a lawyer.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Small Claims Court / tribunal?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “deadline”, “pay by”, “due date”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In Canada, many deadlines count from the date printed on the letter, not from the day it arrives — for example, the 90 days to object to a tax notice. Mail can take several days, so check the date on the letter and act early. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“notice of objection”, “request for reconsideration”, “appeal”, “objection”, “review”, “dispute”).
Can I read a Small Claims Court / tribunal letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Canada
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) · Service Canada · Provincial health plan (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP …) · Ministry of Finance / Revenue (your province) · ServiceOntario / ICBC / registry office · City or town — property tax department · City bylaw enforcement / parking