Licensed paralegals in Ontario can represent clients in Small Claims Court for civil matters up to fifty thousand dollars, at the Landlord and Tenant Board for all residential tenancy disputes, in provincial offences court for regulatory charges and traffic matters, at various administrative tribunals including the Human Rights Tribunal, and can provide services as Notaries Public and Commissioners of Oaths. Paralegals can also prepare record suspension applications, handle routine business registrations and filings, and provide representation in other matters specifically authorized by the Law Society. Paralegals cannot handle matters in Superior Court, criminal charges in Criminal Court beyond provincial offences, real estate transactions, or immigration matters beyond document commissioning. For any matter outside paralegal scope, referrals to appropriate lawyers are provided.

Paralegal fees for matters within their scope of practice typically range from thirty to sixty percent less than lawyer fees for the same work. This cost difference exists because paralegals have lower overhead costs, focus on high-volume practice areas where efficiency is developed through repetition, and serve a market segment that needs professional representation but may not afford traditional lawyer fees. The lower cost does not reflect lower quality within paralegal scope – many experienced paralegals handle Small Claims Court and Landlord Tenant Board matters more frequently than general practice lawyers and develop specialized expertise through concentrated practice in these areas.

Fixed fee quotes are provided after the initial consultation based on the complexity of your matter and the work required. For matters involving multiple stages such as Small Claims Court proceedings that move from filing through settlement conference to trial, fees are quoted per stage allowing you to pay as the matter progresses rather than requiring full payment upfront. Payment plans may be available for clients with financial constraints depending on the specific circumstances and timeline of the matter. All fee arrangements are discussed openly during the consultation and confirmed in writing before any work begins.

Services are provided throughout the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, and surrounding municipalities. Most consultations and meetings can be conducted virtually, and many Landlord and Tenant Board hearings and Small Claims Court proceedings are now held virtually making geographic location less of a barrier. For in-person notary or commissioner services, mobile service may be available within Toronto and immediate surrounding areas for an additional fee. Matters requiring attendance at courthouses or tribunal locations outside Toronto can be handled if the matter is otherwise within service areas.

Initial consultations can typically be scheduled within two to three business days, with same-day or next-day appointments available for urgent matters involving approaching deadlines. Simple notary or commissioner services can often be accommodated same-day, including walk-in availability for straightforward document witnessing. For ongoing representation in court or tribunal matters, the timeline depends on hearing dates set by the court or tribunal rather than availability for representation. Evening and weekend appointment times are offered to accommodate work schedules and family obligations.

Bring all documents related to your legal issue including any notices you’ve received, court or tribunal documents, contracts or agreements, correspondence such as emails or letters, photographs or other evidence, and any timeline of events you’ve prepared. For Landlord and Tenant Board matters, bring your lease, rent receipts, and any N-series or T-series forms. For Small Claims Court matters, bring contracts, invoices, receipts, and communications with the other party. For record suspension inquiries, bring documentation of your conviction and sentence completion if available. Even if you’re not sure whether something is relevant, bringing it allows for complete review during the consultation. The more information available, the more accurate the advice and fee quote can be.