Andromeda Law

Small Claims Court Fee Structure

Small Claims Court is designed to handle monetary disputes between $10,000 and $35,000 in a more streamlined way than Superior Court. At Andromeda Law, we’ve developed a predictable flat-fee structure that breaks the process into clear stages, helping you understand both the costs and process upfront.

Cost Overview

Using a $25,000 claim as an example:

  • Initial Consultation: $300
  • Claim Filing Stage: $1,875 (7.5% of claim amount)
  • Settlement Conference Stage: $1,875 (7.5% of claim amount)
  • Disbursements: Typically $200-400 (court fees, process service, etc.) Total: Approximately $4,250-4,450

Understanding Each Stage

1. Initial Consultation

Flat Fee: $300

Your first step is an hour-long consultation to determine whether Small Claims Court is the right path for your situation. We’ll discuss the strength of your case and explain the process in practical terms.

This consultation includes:

  • Assessment of your claim’s merits
  • Review of your existing documentation
  • Explanation of the Small Claims process and timeline
  • Strategic recommendations for your specific situation
  • Clear breakdown of all potential costs
  • Discussion of evidence you’ll need to gather

2. Claim Filing Stage

Fee: 7.5% of claim amount

This is where your claim officially begins. We’ll transform your situation into a properly structured legal claim that tells your story to the court in a compelling and legally relevant way.

This stage includes:

  • Comprehensive review of your documentation
  • Drafting your Plaintiff’s Claim
  • Filing with the court
  • Managing all court correspondence
  • Guiding you through the defendant service process
  • Regular updates on your file’s progress

Note: Process server fees for delivering documents to the defendant are not included in our fee and typically range from $50-150 depending on location.

3. Settlement Conference/Default Judgment Stage

Fee: Additional 7.5% of claim amount

Most cases reach one of two points: either a settlement conference or, if the defendant never responds, a default judgment. A settlement conference is a crucial meeting with a Deputy Judge who helps explore settlement possibilities and, if necessary, provides direction for trial.

If proceeding to Settlement Conference, we provide:

  • Thorough conference preparation
  • Full representation at the conference
  • Settlement negotiations during the conference
  • Preparation of any documents required by the judge
  • Strategic advice for next steps based on conference outcome

If pursuing Default Judgment:

  • Preparation of all required documentation
  • Court filing and follow-up
  • Guidance on judgment enforcement options

What Makes a Claim “Straightforward”?

Our flat-fee structure works best for clear-cut cases where the evidence directly shows that someone owes you money. The key is having organized documentation that tells a clear story.

Ideal cases typically involve:

  • Clear written evidence of money owed
  • Straightforward timeline of events
  • Limited number of witnesses
  • Complete documentation ready to present

Cases may not qualify if they involve:

  • Multiple defendants
  • Technical evidence requirements
  • Extensive document review needed
  • Complex legal arguments

Additional Expenses (Disbursements)

Beyond our fees, certain out-of-pocket expenses are unavoidable in any legal proceeding.

Required Disbursements:

  • Court filing fees ($102 for claims between $10,000-$35,000)
  • Process server fees ($50-150)
  • Document certification when required

Beyond Settlement Conference

While many cases resolve at or before the settlement conference, some proceed toward trial. At this point, we’ll need to either:

  1. Switch to our hourly rate ($300/hour), or
  2. Create a new flat-fee arrangement based on:
    • Case complexity at this stage
    • Estimated time to trial
    • Volume of evidence to manage

What’s Not Included

Our flat-fee structure covers standard Small Claims Court proceedings. Additional fees apply for:

  • Defending counterclaims
  • Trial preparation and attendance
  • Judgment enforcement proceedings
  • Motions or procedural applications
  • Settlement negotiations outside of conference

Ready to Proceed?

Book a consultation to discuss your specific situation. We’ll help you understand whether Small Claims Court is right for your case and confirm whether it fits our flat-fee structure.

Note: All fees are subject to HST and must be paid in advance of each stage. We accept payment via e-transfer, credit card, or cryptocurrency, or use our online booking tool to view available time slots and choose one that works for you.