Legal resources for Ontario
businesses & individuals

Up to $50,000, not counting interest and costs. If your loss is larger, you can sue in the Superior Court, or cap your claim at $50,000 and give up the excess.

Generally two years from when you knew, or ought to have known, about the claim, under the Limitations Act, 2002. Some claims have shorter notice deadlines, so check early.

No. You can represent yourself or use a licensed paralegal. A lawyer is not required, but often improves the result — especially on evidence, settlement strategy, and enforcing a judgment.

Commonly six to twelve months, depending on the court’s schedule and whether the case settles at the mandatory settlement conference.

A judgment is not self-enforcing. You collect through garnishment of wages or bank accounts, a writ of seizure and sale, or a debtor examination to find assets.

In Small Claims Court the filing fee for a Plaintiff’s Claim starts at $108, plus service and other disbursements. If you win, the court can order the losing side to pay costs, usually up to about 15% of the claim.

Incorporating creates a separate legal entity and limits your personal liability, but adds cost and paperwork. A sole proprietorship is simpler but leaves you personally on the hook. The right choice depends on liability, taxes, and your goals.

If your corporation has more than one owner, yes. It sets out control, share transfers, funding, and how disputes and exits are handled — before they turn into fights.

A court remedy for shareholders (and certain others) who are treated unfairly or in a way that defeats their reasonable expectations. The court can order a buyout or other relief.

There is no single general business licence. Most businesses register a name and may need municipal or sector-specific permits depending on what they do and where.

Often yes — a verbal agreement can be binding. But some contracts, such as guarantees and deals involving land, must be in writing, and proving the terms of a verbal deal is much harder.

An offer, acceptance, consideration (something of value exchanged), an intention to create legal relations, the capacity to contract, and a lawful purpose.

Damages meant to put you where you would have been if the contract had been performed, plus interest — subject to your duty to take reasonable steps to limit your loss.

A formal letter demanding payment or action by a deadline. It frequently resolves a dispute without court. Note that sending one does not pause the limitation clock.

Confirm the debt and the deadline to sue, send a demand letter, file a claim if needed, obtain judgment, and then enforce it through garnishment or a writ.

Yes, once you have a judgment and obtain a garnishment. Wage garnishment is generally limited to 20% of net wages (more for support obligations).

Sometimes. Weigh the filing fees, your time, the interest and costs you can recover, and — most importantly — whether the other side can actually pay a judgment.

Buyers usually prefer an asset purchase to avoid inheriting hidden liabilities; sellers often prefer a share sale for tax reasons. It is deal-specific and worth advice on both sides.

Review the financials, contracts, leases, employees, liabilities, litigation, and any liens — and negotiate a non-compete from the seller before closing.

Plan ahead: clean up your books and minute book, lock in key contracts, reduce how much the business depends on you, and get a proper valuation before you go to market.