Do I Have a Civil Case? Wizard
Before spending time and money on a lawsuit, it helps to know whether you have a viable claim at all. This wizard walks through the nature of your dispute, what is at stake, timing, and your evidence to highlight the factors that matter — and to flag any limitation deadline you cannot afford to miss.
The Nature of Your Dispute
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a valid civil case in Ontario?
A viable civil claim generally requires a recognized legal basis (such as a breach of contract or negligence), a loss the law recognizes, and an identifiable defendant. Whether your situation meets these depends on the facts and evidence, which is what this wizard helps you organize before speaking with a lawyer.
How long do I have to start a civil claim?
Ontario generally has a two-year basic limitation period, usually running from when you knew or ought to have known about the claim. There is also a 15-year ultimate deadline. Missing the applicable period can bar your claim entirely, so timing is critical.
Should my case be in Small Claims Court or the Superior Court?
It largely depends on the amount. Claims of $50,000 or less generally belong in Small Claims Court, which is faster and less expensive, while larger or more complex claims proceed in the Superior Court of Justice. The nature of the remedy you seek can also matter.
Does this wizard tell me whether I will win?
No. It identifies factors relevant to whether you may have a viable claim and helps you organize your evidence and questions. It does not predict the outcome, which depends on the law, the evidence, and findings a court would make.
Do I need a lawyer for a civil case?
For anything beyond a straightforward small claim, legal advice is strongly recommended. Civil litigation involves procedural rules, evidence, and limitation deadlines where early guidance can significantly affect both your prospects and your costs.
Free to use on your own website or blog — just copy the code below. Includes attribution back to Legal Solutions Law Firm.
<iframe src="https://legalsolutionslawfirm.ca/do-i-have-a-civil-case-wizard?embed=1" style="width:100%;max-width:480px;border:0;min-height:680px;" title="Do I Have a Civil Case? Wizard" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p style="font:12px/1.4 -apple-system,sans-serif;text-align:center;margin:6px 0 0;">
<a href="https://legalsolutionslawfirm.ca/do-i-have-a-civil-case-wizard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Powered by Legal Solutions Law Firm</a>
</p>