# Kleiman Law — Jonathan Kleiman, Toronto Business & Litigation Lawyer

> Jonathan Kleiman is a Toronto-based business and litigation lawyer (called to the Ontario Bar; over 15 years of practice) serving clients across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. The practice covers business and corporate law, contracts, commercial leasing, buying and selling businesses, shareholder and partnership matters, and civil litigation including Ontario Small Claims Court. Kleiman Law also publishes free, Ontario-specific legal guides and interactive tools.

Practical, plain-language Ontario legal information. The guides below are written for business owners and individuals dealing with real legal questions, and each is grounded in current Ontario law. Contact: 416-554-1639 · Jonathan@JKleiman.com · 1235 Bay St, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5R 3K4.

## Practice areas
- [Business Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/business-lawyer-toronto/): General corporate and commercial counsel for Ontario businesses.
- [Incorporation Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/incorporation-lawyer-toronto/): Federal and Ontario incorporation and corporate setup.
- [Shareholders' Agreement Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/shareholders-agreement-lawyer-toronto/): Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating shareholders' agreements.
- [Shareholder Dispute Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/shareholder-dispute-lawyer-toronto/): Oppression remedy and shareholder dispute resolution.
- [Partnership Agreement Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/partnership-agreement-lawyer-toronto/): Partnership agreements for Ontario co-owned businesses.
- [Contract Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/contract-lawyer-toronto/): Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.
- [Contract Dispute Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/contract-dispute-lawyer-toronto/): Breach of contract and commercial contract disputes.
- [Commercial Lease Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/commercial-lease-lawyer-toronto/): Lease review, negotiation, renewals, assignments, and disputes.
- [Buying a Business Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/buying-a-business-lawyer-toronto/): Due diligence and purchase of Ontario businesses.
- [Selling a Business Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/selling-a-business-lawyer-toronto/): Structuring and closing the sale of a business.
- [Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/non-compete-agreement-lawyer-toronto/): Restrictive covenants where enforceable under Ontario law.
- [NDA & Confidentiality Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/nda-confidentiality-agreement-lawyer-toronto/): Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements.
- [Commercial Litigation Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/commercial-litigation-lawyer-toronto/): Business and commercial disputes in Ontario courts.
- [Small Claims Court Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/small-claims-court-lawyer-toronto/): Claims and defences up to $50,000 in Ontario Small Claims Court.
- [Debt Collection Lawyer Toronto](https://www.jkleiman.com/debt-collection-lawyer-toronto/): Recovering unpaid invoices, loans, and judgments.

## Free legal tools and calculators
- [Ontario Small Claims Action Plan](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-action-plan/): Interactive wizard: answer a few questions and get a step-by-step Small Claims plan — for suing, defending, or collecting a judgment. Procedure only, no case scoring.
- [Ontario Demand Letter Generator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-demand-letter-generator/): Free guided demand letter for Ontario debts and disputes.
- [Ontario Small Claims Court Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-court-calculator/): Estimate fees, interest, and recovery for a Small Claims case.
- [Small Claims Court Filing Fee Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-court-filing-fee-calculator/): Current Ontario Small Claims Court filing fees.
- [Small Claims Court Cost Award Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-court-cost-award-calculator/): Estimate recoverable costs under the 15% rule.
- [Small Claims Defence Deadline Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-court-defence-deadline-calculator/): 20-day defence deadline with holiday roll-over.
- [Small Claims Counterclaim Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-court-counterclaim-calculator/): Net position after a Defendant's Claim set-off against the claim.
- [Settle or Go to Court Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-settlement-vs-court-calculator/): Weigh a settlement offer against the risk-weighted value of trial.
- [Small Claims vs. Superior Court Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-vs-superior-court-calculator/): Choose the right Ontario court level for a claim.
- [Ontario Contractor Dispute Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-contractor-dispute-calculator/): Estimate what a contractor owes after a taken deposit, abandoned job, or defective work.
- [Ontario Limitation Period Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-limitation-period-calculator/): Triage the 2-year limitation period under the Limitations Act, 2002.
- [Ontario Prejudgment Interest Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-prejudgment-interest-calculator/): Prejudgment interest under the Courts of Justice Act.
- [Ontario Postjudgment Interest Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-postjudgment-interest-calculator/): Postjudgment interest on Ontario judgments.
- [Ontario Wage & Bank Garnishment Calculator](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-wage-garnishment-calculator/): How much a garnishment takes: 20% of net wages for debts, 50% for support, no cap on bank accounts — and how long collecting a judgment takes.
- [Ontario Small Claims Court Locations](https://www.jkleiman.com/ontario-small-claims-court-locations/): Find the right Small Claims Court for your case.
- [All Ontario Legal Tools & Calculators](https://www.jkleiman.com/tools/): Hub of free Ontario legal calculators and generators.

## Insights — Business & corporate law
- [Do you have to warn customers about a defect you already shipped?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/duty-to-warn-defective-product-ontario/)
- [Is your "as-is" clause really as-is? Ontario law and the Coldcard exploit](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/as-is-clause-enforceable-ontario/)
- [New Ontario laws for July 1, 2026: what small businesses and landlords should know](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/new-ontario-laws-july-2026-small-business/)
- [My AI assistant signed a bad contract — who is liable? (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/ai-assistant-signed-bad-contract-who-is-liable-ontario/)
- [How to negotiate a commercial lease renewal in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/commercial-lease-renewal-negotiation-ontario/)
- [The one lease clause that can kill your business sale (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/commercial-lease-assignment-business-sale-ontario/)
- [Do you actually need a shareholders' agreement in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/do-you-need-a-shareholders-agreement-ontario/)
- [Succession planning and selling your literary agency — a practical guide](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/literary-agency-succession-planning/)
- [Non-competes when buying or selling a business in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/non-compete-buying-selling-business-ontario/)
- [Do I need a holding company in Ontario? (Holdco explained)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/do-i-need-a-holding-company-ontario/)
- [What makes a contract legally binding in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-makes-a-contract-legally-binding-ontario/)
- [How to value a small business in Ontario (sale, buyout, dispute)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-value-a-small-business-ontario/)
- [Director duties & personal liability in Ontario — what you're on the hook for](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/director-duties-personal-liability-ontario/)
- [Asset purchase vs. share purchase: buying a business in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/asset-purchase-vs-share-purchase-ontario/)
- [Personal guarantees: what Ontario business owners should know](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/personal-guarantees-business-owners-ontario/)
- [Letters of intent & term sheets in Ontario — are they binding?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/letter-of-intent-term-sheet-ontario-binding/)
- [Do I need a business licence in Ontario? (What's actually required)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/do-i-need-a-business-licence-ontario/)
- [Do you need a partnership agreement in Ontario? (What to include)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/partnership-agreement-ontario-do-you-need-one/)
- [NDAs in Ontario: what a non-disclosure agreement should include](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/nda-confidentiality-agreement-ontario-explained/)
- [How to dissolve (close) a corporation in Ontario — step by step](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-dissolve-corporation-ontario/)
- [Buying a franchise in Ontario: disclosure & your legal rights](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/buying-a-franchise-ontario-disclosure-rights/)
- [What happens after you incorporate in Ontario? (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-happens-after-you-incorporate-ontario/)
- [What is a minute book, and does your Ontario corporation need one?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/minute-book-ontario-corporation/)
- [Commercial lease review checklist for Ontario small businesses](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/commercial-lease-review-checklist-ontario/)
- [Service agreements for Ontario small businesses — what to include](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/service-agreements-ontario-small-business/)
- [Shareholder disputes in Ontario & the oppression remedy — what are my options?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/shareholder-disputes-oppression-remedy-ontario/)
- [Non-compete clauses for small businesses in Ontario — what actually works](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/non-compete-clause-small-business-ontario/)
- [Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Ontario? (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/non-compete-enforceability-ontario/)
- [Buying a business in Ontario — the complete due-diligence checklist](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/buying-a-business-checklist-ontario/)
- [Planning your business exit for the highest sale price — an Ontario guide](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/business-exit-planning-ontario/)
- [How to incorporate a business in Ontario — a comprehensive 2026 guide](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-incorporate-business-ontario/)
- [How to start a small business in Ontario — step by step (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-start-small-business-ontario/)
- [Non-compete & non-solicitation agreements in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/non-compete-non-solicitation-ontario/)
- [What to include in a shareholders' agreement — a complete checklist](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-to-include-shareholders-agreement/)
- [Federal vs. Ontario incorporation — which should you choose?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/federal-vs-ontario-incorporation/)
- [How much does a business lawyer cost in Toronto? (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/business-lawyer-cost-toronto/)
- [Sole proprietorship vs. incorporation in Ontario — a complete guide](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sole-proprietorship-vs-incorporation-ontario/)
- [Business advice from a lawyer — 15 lessons Ontario entrepreneurs learn the hard way](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/business-advice-from-a-lawyer/)
- [Trademarks and copyright law in Ontario — a complete guide](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/trademarks-and-copyright-law-toronto-ontario/)

## Insights — Small Claims Court & civil litigation
- [Can you sue for defamation or a bad review in Ontario Small Claims?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sue-for-defamation-bad-review-small-claims-ontario/)
- [Are Small Claims Court hearings virtual or in person in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/small-claims-court-virtual-or-in-person-ontario/)
- [Can't afford Small Claims Court fees? Ontario fee waivers explained](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/small-claims-court-fee-waiver-ontario/)
- [Can I sue my neighbour in Small Claims Court? (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sue-neighbour-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Can you sue an estate (someone who has died) in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sue-an-estate-deceased-small-claims-ontario/)
- [How to appeal a Small Claims Court decision in Ontario (2026)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-appeal-small-claims-court-decision-ontario/)
- [How to serve a defendant in Small Claims Court (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-serve-defendant-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [How to set aside a default judgment in Small Claims Court (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-set-aside-default-judgment-small-claims-ontario/)
- [Can I countersue in Small Claims Court? (Defendant's Claim, Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/countersue-defendants-claim-small-claims-ontario/)
- [Can you sue a family member or friend in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/can-you-sue-family-member-friend-ontario/)
- [What evidence wins in Small Claims Court? (Ontario guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-evidence-wins-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [What happens if the defendant doesn't show up in Small Claims Court?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/defendant-does-not-show-up-small-claims-ontario/)
- [Can you sue an employee or employer in Small Claims Court (Ontario)?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sue-employee-or-employer-small-claims-ontario/)
- [Can you sue over a Facebook Marketplace purchase in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sue-over-facebook-marketplace-purchase-ontario/)
- [Can you sue for emotional distress in Ontario Small Claims Court?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/sue-for-emotional-distress-small-claims-ontario/)
- [How to prepare for a Small Claims Court trial in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-prepare-small-claims-court-trial-ontario/)
- [Common mistakes that cause people to lose in Small Claims Court](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/common-mistakes-lose-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Can text messages be used as evidence in Small Claims Court?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/can-text-messages-be-used-as-evidence-small-claims-ontario/)
- [What is a free consultation for Small Claims Court? (Ontario guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/free-consultation-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Is it worth suing someone for $2,000 in Small Claims Court?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/is-it-worth-suing-for-2000-small-claims-ontario/)
- [What if I lose in Small Claims Court and can't pay?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-if-i-lose-small-claims-court-cant-pay-ontario/)
- [Can you go to jail for a Small Claims Court case in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/can-you-go-to-jail-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Can I represent myself in Small Claims Court in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/can-i-represent-myself-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Steps to represent yourself in Small Claims Court (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/steps-to-represent-yourself-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Small Claims Court vs. the Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/small-claims-court-vs-landlord-tenant-board-ontario/)
- [How long does Small Claims Court take in Ontario? (2026 timeline guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-long-does-small-claims-court-take-ontario/)
- [Can I sue anyone for anything in Small Claims Court in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/can-i-sue-anyone-for-anything-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [What happens if you win your case in Small Claims Court (Ontario)?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-win-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Someone is suing me in Small Claims Court — what are my options?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/someone-is-suing-me-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [How to enforce a Small Claims Court judgment in Ontario (when they won’t pay)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-enforce-small-claims-judgment-ontario/)
- [Ontario Small Claims Court vs. Superior Court — which is right for your case?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/small-claims-court-vs-superior-court-ontario/)
- [When to use Small Claims Court in Ontario (and when not to)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/when-to-use-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [What is a breach of contract in Ontario? (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-is-breach-of-contract-ontario/)
- [How long do you have to sue for breach of contract in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-long-to-sue-breach-of-contract-ontario/)
- [Can a verbal contract be enforced in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/verbal-contract-enforceable-ontario/)
- [What damages can you claim for breach of contract in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/breach-of-contract-damages-ontario/)
- [How much does it cost to sue someone in Ontario? (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/cost-to-sue-someone-ontario/)
- [Demand letters explained — what they are and how they work in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/demand-letters-explained-ontario/)
- [What happens after a Statement of Claim is issued in Ontario?](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/what-happens-after-statement-of-claim-ontario/)
- [Is Small Claims Court worth it in Ontario? (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/is-small-claims-court-worth-it-ontario/)
- [How to respond to a demand letter in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-respond-to-demand-letter-ontario/)
- [How to enforce a contract in Ontario — a practical guide](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-enforce-contract-ontario/)
- [Small Claims Court fees & costs in Ontario (2026 guide)](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/small-claims-court-fees-costs-ontario/)
- [Ontario Small Claims Court limit increased to $50,000](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/ontario-small-claims-court-50000-limit/)
- [What to expect at a settlement conference in Small Claims Court](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/settlement-conference-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [How to write a demand letter in Ontario](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-write-demand-letter-ontario/)
- [How to sue in Small Claims Court in Ontario — step by step](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/how-to-sue-in-small-claims-court-ontario/)
- [Breach of contract: what to do when an agreement falls apart](https://www.jkleiman.com/blog/breach-of-contract/)

## About & contact
- [About Jonathan Kleiman](https://www.jkleiman.com/about/): Background, experience, and approach.
- [Client testimonials](https://www.jkleiman.com/testimonials/): Reviews from Ontario clients.
- [Contact / book a free consultation](https://www.jkleiman.com/contact/): Free 30-minute consultation by phone, email, or text.
- [Sitemap](https://www.jkleiman.com/sitemap.xml): Full machine-readable list of pages.