Served With a Claim?
Toronto Small Claims Court Defence Lawyer.
You Have 20 Days.
If you have been sued in Ontario Small Claims Court, the clock is already running — you have 20 days to file a Defence or risk a default judgment. Legal Solutions Law Firm is a Toronto small claims court defence lawyer team for claims up to $50,000. Use our free Deadline Calculator to confirm your days left, then call us — the consultation is free.
Toronto Small Claims Court Defence
Being Sued Is Stressful. The Response Doesn't Have to Be Guesswork.
Being served is unsettling — but Ontario Small Claims Court gives every defendant real tools to respond: deny the claim, tell your version of events, or sue the plaintiff back. You only get to use them inside the 20-day window the Rules require.
Legal Solutions Law Firm defends claims up to $50,000 across Toronto and the GTA — see our 20-day playbook for being sued in Toronto Small Claims Court for the full process. Call or text 416-274-2222; the sooner we speak, the more options you have.
We confirm your filing deadline and file a properly drafted Defence before it expires.
We tell you plainly how strong the claim against you is and what to realistically expect.
Know your total cost upfront, with flexible payment options available.
The Real Comparison
Defending Yourself vs. Hiring a Lawyer
Ontario Small Claims Court is built so a self-represented defendant *can* respond — but "can" and "should" are different questions. Here is the honest comparison.
⚠️ Defending Yourself
✅ Represented by Legal Solutions
What We Defend
Small Claims Court Claims We Defend
Whatever you have been sued over, we can help. These are the claim types we defend most often for Toronto clients.
What's Actually at Stake
Why the 20-Day Deadline Matters So Much
Under Rule 9.01, you have 20 calendar days from service to file a Defence (Form 9A). There is no grace period — the clock starts the day you are served.
If no Defence is filed in time, the plaintiff can move for default judgment — the full amount claimed, without ever hearing your side. Reversing it afterward is difficult and expensive.
If the plaintiff owes you money connected to the same dispute, you may be able to file a Defendant's Claim alongside your Defence — but it generally can't wait.
How We Defend Your Claim
Our Small Claims Defence Process
We review the claim and calculate exactly how many days you have left to respond — at no cost.
We identify what the plaintiff must prove and assess whether a counterclaim is worth pursuing.
We prepare a properly detailed Defence (Form 9A) and file it before your 20-day deadline expires.
We present your strongest position and pursue withdrawal, reduction, or a fair settlement.
If the matter does not resolve, we prepare your evidence and witnesses for trial.
We represent you at trial and argue your position before the deputy judge.
Every Day You Wait Is a Day Off Your Deadline.
If you were served with a Small Claims Court claim, your 20 days are already running. Call Legal Solutions Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Legal Solutions
We Defend as Often as We Sue
Ryan Manilla and the Legal Solutions team have appeared before the Deputy Judges of the Ontario Small Claims Court hundreds of times — on both sides. We know exactly what a plaintiff has to prove, and where their case is usually weakest. We never assume a claim is valid just because it was filed.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
I wish I could add five more stars to show how happy we are with the legal services of Ryan J. Manilla and his team. They took charge of our legal matters, worked tirelessly on short notice, and delivered outstanding legal documents on time. Their teamwork, professionalism, patience, and understanding of our situation gave us tremendous peace of mind. Most importantly, we sleep better at night knowing that we are in good hands, with a legal team that has the expertise and compassion to handle sensitive matters with care.
I had a great experience working with Ryan at Legal Solutions. He is professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable. Any time I had questions, he got back to me quickly and provided practical advice. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again.
I was going through anxiety not knowing what to expect with my case. Ryan explained everything simply and stood up for me at my hearing. I’m really thankful for his help!
One of the best. Well poised, smart articulate. Know his stuff and one of the best lawyer out there to work with.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Defending Small Claims Cases Across Toronto and the GTA
From My Experience: The Defendants Who Do Best Are the Ones Who Call Early
The biggest mistake I see is waiting — even a few days spent worrying instead of acting burns into the 20-day window. The claim does not get less serious by ignoring it; it just gets closer to a default judgment. The second mistake is assuming the claim must be legitimate simply because it was filed. Plaintiffs only have to allege their case, not prove it upfront — once I see the actual documents, the version on paper often does not hold up.
The thing people miss almost every time: whether they have a counterclaim of their own. I ask every new client the same question — did the person suing you also owe you something connected to this dispute? Surprisingly often, yes — and that single conversation can turn a defensive posture into a real negotiating position. Do not wait to see how serious it feels. Call us the same day: 416-274-2222.
Free Resources
Tools & Guides
Confirm your deadline, weigh a counterclaim, or decide whether you need a lawyer at all — these free tools and guides can help:
Speak With a Small Claims Court Defence Lawyer Today
Been served with a Small Claims Court claim in Toronto? Our lawyers offer a free 30-minute consultation. Call 416-274-2222 or fill out the form below.