Question 1

Are paralegals real lawyers?

Accepted Answer

Paralegals are licensed legal professionals regulated by the Law Society of Ontario — the same body that regulates lawyers. We can represent you in specific tribunals and lower courts (LTB, Small Claims, Provincial Offences) but not in family or criminal indictable matters. We'll always tell you up front if you need a lawyer instead.

Question 2

Is the first call really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 30 minutes, no obligation. About a third of the time we tell people they don't actually need to hire anyone — that's fine, we'd rather you trust us next time.

Question 3

How fast can you respond?

Accepted Answer

Same-day calls before 4pm on weekdays. Evenings and weekends, we'll be back with you first thing the next business morning. If a hearing is in the next 48 hours, mention that — we'll move things around.

Question 4

Do I have to come to the office?

Accepted Answer

Almost never. Most hearings now run by video, intake can be done by phone or email, and we accept document photos by text. The office is there if you want to come in — but you don't have to.

Question 5

Do you work weekends or evenings?

Accepted Answer

We try to keep weekdays for casework and weekends for our families. We do return urgent messages on Saturdays, and we'll book Saturday consults by appointment if a hearing is on Monday.

Question 6

I got an N4. What do I do first?

Accepted Answer

Photograph it, don't sign anything, and call us — the free consult is 30 minutes. The short version: an N4 isn't an eviction, it's a notice. You almost certainly have more time than the form makes it look, and if you pay the arrears before your landlord files an L1, the N4 is void.

Question 7

Do you represent both tenants and landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but never on the same matter. We take both sides of LTB cases because the system is hard from either side, and small landlords deserve representation too.

Question 8

How long does an LTB hearing take to get scheduled?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the LTB's backlog. Most hearings are now by Zoom. We'll prepare you, run a mock walk-through, and speak for you on the day — you sit next to us.

Question 9

Can I be evicted in the winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there is no winter eviction moratorium in Ontario. The Sheriff will still enforce orders in January. The earlier you call us, the more we can do.

Question 10

My landlord changed the locks. Is that legal?

Accepted Answer

Almost never. A landlord cannot self-help evict you in Ontario — only the Sheriff, acting on an LTB order, can change locks. If this has happened to you, call us today; you have a strong T2 claim and likely an emergency motion.

Question 11

Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't done?

Accepted Answer

Generally no — withholding rent gives the landlord an N4 to evict you. Instead, file a T6 maintenance application with the LTB. We can help you build the case (photos, work orders, contractor quotes) and the Board can order an abatement of past rent.

Question 12

What's the most I can sue for in Small Claims?

Accepted Answer

$50,000 in Ontario, plus interest and costs. If your damages are more, you can either reduce your claim or move to Superior Court — in which case you probably want a lawyer.

Question 13

How long does a Small Claims case take?

Accepted Answer

Filing to judgment: typically 9–14 months. Settlement conferences usually happen 4–6 months after filing, and about 60% of cases settle before trial. Enforcement after winning can add another few months if the other side doesn't pay voluntarily.

Question 14

What does it cost to sue?

Accepted Answer

Court filing fees typically range from $108 to $215 depending on claim size. Our fees vary by complexity — straightforward unpaid-invoice claims are often flat-fee; defended trials are quoted hourly with a cap.

Question 15

Someone is suing me. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we defend Small Claims actions too. The Defence deadline is 20 days from being served. Call us before that runs out; a default judgment is much harder to unwind than a properly filed defence.

Question 16

Will fighting my ticket actually save me money?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. A guilty plea on a moving violation can raise your insurance premium 15–30% for three years — typically more than the fee to fight it. We won't take your case if we don't think we can save you money.

Question 17

Do I need to show up in court myself?

Accepted Answer

Almost never. We file an agent designation, attend on your behalf, and report back. The exception is a few serious matters (stunt driving over a certain speed, careless causing harm) where the court may want you present.

Question 18

What if I already paid the ticket?

Accepted Answer

If you paid, you pleaded guilty. The conviction is on your record and there's usually no way back. Don't pay until you've had a free conversation with us — most tickets are worth fighting.

Question 19

I got a stunt driving charge — am I done?

Accepted Answer

No. Stunt driving cases are serious but often defensible. The roadside license suspension and vehicle impound are administrative — the criminal-style penalties at trial are the bigger issue. Call us today; the prep window matters.

Question 20

What's the difference between a notary and a commissioner?

Accepted Answer

A commissioner takes affidavits and statutory declarations (sworn statements). A notary does that plus authenticates documents and signatures for international use. Most domestic forms only need a commissioner. International forms usually require a notary. Bring the form — we'll tell you which it is.

Question 21

Do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

No, walk-ins are welcome during business hours. If you have multiple documents or it's a complex affidavit, booking a 15-minute slot avoids the wait.

Question 22

How much does notarizing cost?

Accepted Answer

$35 for the first document, $15 for each additional document signed at the same visit. We don't charge for short stat decs or simple consent letters if you're already a client.

Question 23

What do I bring?

Accepted Answer

Two pieces of ID (one government photo ID), the document unsigned (we have to watch you sign it), and any supporting paperwork referenced in the affidavit. If it's a travel consent, both parents' info if applicable.

The questions people ask first.

General

Landlord & Tenant

Small Claims

Traffic & POA

Notary & Commissioner

Question not here? Pick up the phone.