Should I Defend This Claim? Wizard
If you've been served with a small claims Plaintiff's Claim, you generally have only 20 days to respond — missing that deadline can mean a default judgment against you. This wizard walks through the claim and your evidence to give you a personalized deadline check and defence checklist.
The Claim Against You
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to respond to a small claims lawsuit in Ontario?
You generally have 20 days from the date you are served with the Plaintiff's Claim to file a Defence with the court. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment being entered against you without a hearing.
What happens if I ignore the claim?
If you don't file a Defence within the deadline, the plaintiff can request a default judgment, which the court can grant based only on the plaintiff's claim, without your side being heard.
Can a default judgment be reversed?
It can potentially be set aside through a separate motion, but this isn't automatic — you generally need to show a reasonable explanation for missing the deadline and that you have an arguable defence.
Does this wizard tell me whether I will win my defence?
No. This tool identifies the factors relevant to your specific situation and helps you organize your response and evidence — it does not predict the outcome of a trial, which depends on the evidence and the judge's findings.
Can I countersue in the same case?
Yes, if you believe the plaintiff owes you something related to the same dispute, you can generally file a Defendant's Claim (counterclaim) within the same proceeding, rather than starting a separate action.
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