01
Fix the deadline
We confirm the court, the date and manner of service, and the exact day your defence is due.
Statements of Defence
Statement of Defence Lawyer in Toronto: Served With a Claim?
If you were served with a statement of claim in Ontario, you generally have 20 days to deliver a defence. We confirm your deadline, answer the claim allegation by allegation, and file before you can be noted in default.
787+
Successful wins
895+
Clients served
What we do
Claims we defend
Superior Court claimsStatement of defence, Form 18A
Small Claims claimsDefence, Form 9A
Debt and invoice claimsAmounts not owed or overstated
CounterclaimsYour own claim against the plaintiff
DefaultMissed deadlines and judgments
How it works
A clear path, start to finish.
02
Protect the file
We report the claim to any insurer that may owe you a defence and preserve the records it turns on.
03
Draft
We admit, deny, or plead no knowledge of each allegation, and add every defence and counterclaim you have.
04
Serve and file
We serve the plaintiff and file with the court on time, or get a written extension before the date passes.
In their words
Represented, and heard.
“Telesh Law Firm provides outstanding legal services. The team is highly knowledgeable — I would highly recommend.”
“The team here is so nice! They understood my needs and made me feel heard. I will definitely come back if I am in need of legal help again.”
Common questions
Answers, in plain language.
In the Superior Court of Justice, 20 days after service if you were served in Ontario, 40 days if served elsewhere in Canada or the United States, and 60 days if served anywhere else. A notice of intent to defend, delivered within that time, adds 10 days. In Small Claims Court, the defence is due 20 days after service.
Not until you are noted in default. In the Superior Court, you can still deliver a defence at any time before that happens. After it, you cannot take any step in the case except a motion to set the default aside, and you are taken to admit the facts in the claim. Call the day you realize the date has passed.
Often, yes. In the Superior Court, the plaintiff can agree to extend the deadline, and the consent is filed with the court. Ask before the date passes and get the answer in writing. A notice of intent to defend also buys 10 days.
Yes. A claim with no answer is treated as admitted, however weak it is. The defence is where you say what is wrong with it, and leaving an allegation unanswered can count as admitting it.
It might. Home, tenant, auto, and business liability policies can require the insurer to defend you. Report the claim to your insurer or broker straight away and send them a copy. Late notice is a common reason for a denial.
Speak with counsel
Book a consultation.
Consultations available in eight languages.