Lawyer, Paralegal, or Self-Represent? Wizard
Not every small claims matter needs a lawyer — but some do. This wizard walks through your claim amount, complexity, and comfort with the court process to give you a personalized recommendation on how to approach your Ontario small claims matter.
Your Claim
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I represent myself in Ontario small claims court?
Yes. Small claims court is designed to be accessible to self-represented parties, with simplified procedures and court staff who can answer procedural (though not legal) questions.
What can a paralegal do in small claims court?
Licensed paralegals in Ontario are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario and can represent clients throughout small claims court proceedings, including drafting documents, negotiating, and appearing at hearings and trial.
Does this wizard tell me exactly what to do?
No. This tool identifies the factors relevant to your specific situation and gives you a starting recommendation — the right choice ultimately depends on a conversation about your specific case, which a free consultation can provide.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a small claim?
It depends on the complexity, the amount at stake, and whether the other side has representation. For straightforward, lower-value claims, a paralegal or self-representation may be more cost-effective; for complex or higher-value claims, a lawyer's experience can matter more.
What does a free consultation typically cover?
A free consultation usually reviews the basic facts of your case, discusses your options (self-representation, paralegal, or lawyer), and gives you a general sense of the process and potential costs — without any obligation to proceed.
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/small-claims-representation-wizard?embed=1" style="width:100%;max-width:480px;border:0;min-height:680px;" title="Lawyer, Paralegal, or Self-Represent? 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/small-claims-representation-wizard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Powered by Legal Solutions Law Firm</a>
</p>