Do I have to go to court?

Many civil disputes resolve through negotiation or settlement. We pursue the cheapest path that works and litigate when that path runs out.

How much will it cost?

We set out rates up front so you can weigh the cost against what is at stake before committing to a course of action.

What is the small claims limit in Ontario?

Ontario's Small Claims Court handles claims up to $50,000, excluding interest and costs. A claimant with a larger claim may proceed in the Superior Court of Justice or abandon the excess to remain in Small Claims Court.

How long do I have to start a civil claim?

Many Ontario claims are subject to a basic two-year limitation period running from the date the claim was discovered, but important exceptions and shorter deadlines can apply. Get advice promptly rather than relying on the general rule.

Should I send a demand letter before suing?

Often, yes. A focused demand can clarify the facts, preserve a settlement position, and show whether litigation is necessary. The wording and timing should support the claim rather than make unsupported threats.

Will the other side pay all of my legal costs if I win?

Usually not. Cost awards depend on the court, result, conduct, and settlement offers, and they commonly cover only part of the successful party's actual legal expense.

Civil Litigation

Civil Litigation — Toronto

Disputes cost more the longer they run. We handle civil claims, contract disputes, and small claims matters with a strategy and a candid view of your options from the start.

Successful wins

Clients served

Book a consultation→416 · 639 · 0887

The dispute brief

A dispute needs an early theory, a reliable record, and a proportionate plan.

Civil litigation is a sequence of decisions about proof, procedure, timing, and cost. We act for businesses and individuals bringing and defending claims, from early assessment and demand letters through pleadings, discovery, settlement, and trial preparation. The first goal is not to create more process. It is to understand the evidence, preserve leverage, and choose a route that fits what is actually at stake.

Matter index

What we examine, and why it matters.

Read the agreement and the conduct

Contract disputes

Contract claims turn on more than one disputed sentence. The written terms, later changes, performance, invoices, notices, and the parties’ conduct can all affect breach, causation, and damages. We build a chronology, identify the obligations in issue, assess available remedies, and prepare a strategy for negotiation or litigation.

When to call

When performance stops, a deadline is missed, the other side rejects an obligation, a termination notice arrives, or continuing the relationship may increase the loss.

Documents to gather

Signed agreement and amendments
Proposals, purchase orders, and invoices
Emails, messages, and formal notices
Proof of performance and claimed loss

Documents to gather

Signed agreement and amendments
Proposals, purchase orders, and invoices
Emails, messages, and formal notices
Proof of performance and claimed loss

Questions we assess

What exactly did each side promise?
Was the agreement later changed?
What loss did the breach cause?
What remedy is legally and commercially useful?

Questions we assess

What exactly did each side promise?
Was the agreement later changed?
What loss did the breach cause?
What remedy is legally and commercially useful?

Decision pathway

From first question to an actionable record.

Assess

We identify the legal issues, parties, remedies, limitation concerns, and practical value of the claim or defence.

Preserve

We organize the chronology and protect contracts, messages, records, photographs, and witness information before evidence is lost.

Position

We frame the demand, response, claim, or defence around the evidence and the remedy that matters.

Resolve

We use negotiation, offers to settle, mediation, and procedural pressure where they can produce a sensible result.

Litigate

When resolution does not follow, we prepare the record for discovery, motions, trial, and enforcement.

When clients call

The legal question usually arrives inside a business problem.

Hypothetical situation

A customer will not pay

The work is complete and invoices are overdue, but the customer now alleges delay and deficiencies that were never raised during the project.

Our focus: We compare the contract with the delivery record, assess the alleged set-off, test collectability, and choose between a demand, negotiated security, or a claim.

Hypothetical situation

A contract was terminated early

A long-term commercial relationship ends without the notice or payment one side expected, and both parties rely on different parts of the agreement.

Our focus: We analyze the termination language, later conduct, notice, mitigation, and damages, then build a position for early resolution or litigation.

Hypothetical situation

A claim has just been served

The deadline to respond has started, relevant records are held by several people, and management needs to understand both legal exposure and business disruption.

Our focus: We preserve the record, confirm response dates, assess insurance and third parties, and prepare a defence strategy before positions harden.

Prepare the file

Bring the record, not just the problem.

A complete first review makes the consultation more useful. Organize what you have; do not delay getting advice because one document is missing.

01Signed contracts, amendments, and standard terms
02Chronology of material events
03Emails, texts, notices, and settlement communications
04Invoices, payment records, and proof of loss
05Photographs, reports, and physical evidence
06Names and contact details for witnesses
07Existing demands, pleadings, and court orders

Risks to identify early

Limitation periods

Many Ontario claims are subject to a basic two-year limitation period running from discovery, but exceptions and other deadlines may apply. Delay can end a claim regardless of its merits.

Evidence changes quickly

Messages are deleted, staff leave, memories fade, and physical conditions change. Preserving the record early can decide what is provable later.

A judgment is not payment

Winning and collecting are separate questions. Assets, insurance, solvency, and enforcement options should inform the strategy before costs accumulate.

Process must fit the stakes

The strongest legal argument may still be a poor commercial decision if the likely recovery, delay, disruption, and legal cost are out of proportion.

Last reviewed: July 2026This page provides general legal information, not advice for a specific matter. Legal rights and deadlines depend on the facts.

In their words

Represented, and heard.

“Telesh Law Firm provides outstanding legal services. The team is highly knowledgeable — I would highly recommend.”

A.M · Google review

“Great lawyer to work with. Very responsive and accountable. Highly recommended!”

A. Singh · Google review

Common questions

Answers, in plain language.

It depends on the complexity of the dispute and whether it resolves before trial. We give you a timeline at the outset and update it as the matter progresses.

Civil Litigation by location

Speak with counsel

Book a consultation.

Book a consultation→416 · 639 · 0887

Consultations available in eight languages.