Recovering unpaid debts, invoices, and loans for Toronto businesses and individuals. Demand letters, negotiation, and litigation — from Small Claims Court to Superior Court.
· Reviewed by Jonathan Kleiman, J.D.
When someone owes you money and refuses to pay, the situation rarely resolves itself. Whether it is an unpaid invoice, an outstanding loan, a bounced cheque, a breach of payment terms, or a personal guarantee that was never honoured — a Toronto debt collection lawyer can help you recover what you are owed through a structured, legally enforceable process.
Jonathan Kleiman helps Toronto businesses and individuals collect debts through demand letters, negotiation, and litigation in both the Ontario Small Claims Court and the Superior Court of Justice. When a judgment is obtained, Jonathan pursues enforcement aggressively — garnishing wages and bank accounts, seizing assets, and examining debtors under oath.
Free 30-minute consultation. Get a clear assessment of your options.
Collecting a debt in Ontario follows a predictable path. Each stage is designed to give the debtor an opportunity to pay before the matter escalates further. Jonathan manages every step:
A formal written demand sets a clear deadline for payment and warns of legal consequences. Many debts are resolved at this stage. Learn how demand letters work.
If the debtor responds but cannot pay the full amount immediately, Jonathan negotiates payment plans and settlement terms to recover the maximum amount.
For debts up to $50,000, Jonathan files in Small Claims Court — faster and less expensive. For larger amounts, the claim is filed in Superior Court.
After judgment, Jonathan enforces it through garnishment, writs of seizure and sale, and examination in aid of execution to identify the debtor's assets.
Winning a judgment is only half the battle. If the debtor still refuses to pay, Jonathan pursues enforcement remedies available under Ontario law:
Jonathan builds the enforcement strategy into the case from the beginning — there is no point winning a judgment you cannot collect on.
Under Ontario's Limitations Act, 2002, you have 2 years from when the debt became due (or from when you discovered the default) to file a claim. After 2 years, the claim is statute-barred and you lose the right to sue.
Partial payments, written acknowledgments of the debt, and other factors can affect the limitation period. Jonathan advises clients to act quickly — the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect, and the greater the risk that the debtor dissipates assets.
Already dealing with a specific unpaid invoice or loan? See suing for unpaid invoices and loans. Want to understand the Small Claims Court process step by step? Read how to sue in Small Claims Court in Ontario.
The approach to debt collection depends on who owes the money and the nature of the obligation:
When a business owes you money — whether for unpaid invoices, outstanding accounts receivable, or breach of a commercial agreement — the collection process focuses on the business entity and its assets. If the business is incorporated, recovery is typically limited to corporate assets unless a personal guarantee was signed or the corporate veil can be pierced. Jonathan handles business disputes and commercial debt recovery throughout Toronto.
When an individual owes you money — whether from a personal loan, a promissory note, or a private agreement — enforcement tools include garnishing the debtor's wages and personal bank accounts, and seizing personal property. Jonathan assesses the debtor's ability to pay before recommending litigation, so you do not spend money pursuing a judgment that cannot be enforced.
Free 30-minute consultation. No fee, no obligation.
Jonathan Kleiman provides the following debt collection services for Toronto businesses and individuals:
Formal written demands for payment of unpaid debts, setting deadlines and outlining legal consequences if the debtor fails to pay.
Filing and prosecuting claims for debts up to $50,000. Faster, less expensive, and designed for straightforward debt recovery.
For debts exceeding $50,000. Full litigation including examinations for discovery, motions, and trial representation.
Garnishment of wages and bank accounts, writs of seizure and sale, and examination in aid of execution to collect on judgments.
If you have been sued for a debt you dispute, Jonathan defends your position and negotiates to minimize your exposure.
Structured negotiation and settlement of outstanding debts — often resolving the matter without the need for court.
Jonathan earned his B.A. (with distinction) at McGill University and his J.D. at Queen's University. He has been a member of the Law Society of Ontario since 2011 and has helped hundreds of Toronto clients recover money owed to them.
Your debt collection lawyer should be someone who returns calls the same day, explains the process in plain language, and fights for every dollar you are owed. Jonathan also handles related matters including contract disputes and breach of contract claims.
Whether you are owed money by a business or an individual — the first step is the same. Tell Jonathan your story, and get a clear, honest assessment of your options for recovery.
Call 416-554-1639 or book a free consultation.
Common questions about debt collection in Ontario.
Start with a formal demand letter setting a deadline for payment. If the debtor does not pay, file a claim in Small Claims Court (for debts up to $50,000) or Superior Court (for larger amounts).
After obtaining a judgment, enforce it through garnishment, seizure, or examination in aid of execution.
The limitation period is 2 years from when the debt became due or from when you discovered the default.
After 2 years, the claim is statute-barred under Ontario's Limitations Act, 2002. Act quickly to preserve your right to sue.
In Small Claims Court, the court may award up to 15% of the claim for legal costs. In Superior Court, costs are more substantial and typically follow the result.
Jonathan builds the cost recovery claim into every case.
A judgment is only as good as the debtor's ability to pay. Before suing, consider whether the debtor has assets.
After judgment, enforcement tools include garnishing wages and bank accounts, seizing property, and examining the debtor under oath to identify hidden assets.
Jonathan offers demand letters and Small Claims Court representation at flat fees. The cost depends on the amount of the debt and the complexity of the matter.
The initial 30-minute consultation is free.
Jonathan Kleiman helps Toronto businesses and individuals recover unpaid debts. Demand letters, Small Claims Court, judgment enforcement. Free 30-minute consultation.