Frequently Asked Questions

Are Paralegals licensed?

Yes. Paralegals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and have strict rules and regulations that govern the profession. These include professional liability insurance and continues professional development.

Where can Paralegals help?

Paralegals offer their services to the public requiring assistance with all civil disputes brought before the Small Claims Court, Summary Criminal Matters, Provincial Offences such as traffic tickets, and all other provincial legislation. Paralegals can also represent before the 200+ Boards, Tribunals and Commissions, such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Labour Board, WSIB, etc. Where Paralegals cannot assist is in Wills and Estates, Real Estate Transactions, Family Law and serious criminal matters.

Paralegal vs. Lawyer, what is the difference?

Paralegals offer their services in specific defined areas of law, which makes paralegals uniquely suited to provide the effective and cost-efficient services that provide the same protections and skills that lawyers offer, at a much lower cost to the client.

What does the Small Claims Court do?

The Ontario Small Claims court resolves disputes over money owed, damages to property, and breach of contract issues. The Small Claims Court can award damages (payment of money) up to $35,000.00. Many people bring matter before the Small Claims Court even if the amount of losses is greater than the court’s limit. This is because it is often quicker and less costly to litigate a dispute before the Small Claims court, with the end result being that the client ends with their more of their money quicker and with less costs associated with the process.

Can a paralegal help me with a neighbour dispute?

Absolutely. Paralegals are trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Plus, the courts expect parties to attempt to resolve issues before they see the inside of a court room. Paralegals can engage in discussions with your neighbour in an effort to negotiate a resolution without the need for litigation.

What about trees? My neighbour keeps trying to damage my trees.

Arbour and Fence laws are common issues that paralegals help parties resolve. If a negotiated resolution cannot be found, a paralegal is your best option to recover monetary damages.

Can a paralegal help with criminal matters?

Yes. Most “Summary” offences can be defendant by paralegals.

Contractor disputes, can paralegals help?

Absolutely! Contractor disputes are one of the most common matters paralegals assist with. The Small Claims Court process, coupled with the education and experience paralegals obtain allows paralegals to provide a cost-efficient resolution process

I haven’t been paid, can a paralegal help?

Yes. Again, collecting on unpaid invoices is something paralegal excel at. By utilizing the Small Claims Court paralegal are often far more effective, both in speed and cost, than collection agencies and lawyers.

I hired a professional and they did a horrible job, is there anything a paralegal can do?

Yes. Paralegals can help negotiate compensation for a product or service that did not meet the promised performance or result. If not negotiated resolution can be reached, a paralegal can utilize the Small Claims court or if the professional service has a regulator with a dispute resolution process, a paralegal can assist in representing a party before a regulator tribunal.

I have some documents that need to commissioned or notarized, can a paralegal help?

Absolutely. Paralegals are Commissioners of Affidavits and Notary Publics. As such, paralegals can commission and notarize all manner of documents, whether or not they are within the paralegal scope of practice.

Do you offer after hours appointments?

Our purpose is to serve our clients and we realize that working people need to work. We are happy to meet with our clients in person or virtually in the evenings and weekends.

What if I live out of town, do I have to come see you?

So long as the client has access to email and scanner (or smartphone) we can provide all our services via virtual means. Court and tribunal hearings are currently held virtually.

I have difficult tenant, can you help?

Resolving issues with difficult and disruptive tenants is an area where Glenlake excels at. We have the experience and knowledge to provide solutions no matter what the tenant is doing.

My landlord is trying to kick me out. Can you help?

Glenlake provides very effective tenant representation for tenants with serious issues with their landlords. Whether the landlord is trying to make the tenants life hell or is trying devious means to try to force an eviction, Glenlake has the experience and skills to defend your right to your home.

I am buying a property with a tenant living in, can a paralegal help me with this?

Yes. While the real estate transaction must be handled by a lawyer, hiring a paralegal to assist with the tenant is an excellent method of protecting your purchase. We can assist in making sure your rights are protected while helping our client to achieve their goal, be it to grow their rental business or to be able to move into their purchased home.

The city issued a work order for my rental property and the tenant is not cooperating. Can a paralegal help wit this?

This is a common situation. Glenlake can assist you with working with the city in resolution of the work order, as well as with the tenant to ensure that the client is able to complete what is required.

Can paralegals accept legal aid?

Unfortunately, no, currently paralegals are unable to accept legal aid certificates.

What should I say when the police are knocking on my door?

Say nothing! Let them tell you what they want, politely thank them for their time, and advise them that you will consult legal counsel and get back to them (maybe). Ask for the officer’s business card and incident number.

My neighbour built a fence on my side of the property line, can the Small Claims court force them to move it?

No. The Small Claims court can only issue judgment for the payment of funds or the return of property. The Small Claims Court not issue a judgment for “equitable relief”. However, the court can issue an Order in your favour for the cost of removing the fence.

Do I have retained a paralegal to represent me if I just have some questions?

Absolutely not. We are happy to assist you with a consultation where you can ask all the questions you have. We also represent in limited scope capacity where we are hired to assist for a single hearing, or to review or draft documents for self-represented litigants.

Does Glenlake offer a no fee consultation?

We do not. For a couple reasons. The adage of “You get what you pay for” certainly applies for legal services. Free advice is not good advice. Our education, training, and experience have tremendous value, and we are happy to share it with our clients, but for us to be able to continue to deliver superior service, we must make an income to be able to do so.

What your fees/Rates?

Glenlake charges an hourly rate for the vast majority of our services. Our fees range from $95.00 to $185.00 per hour. Landlord and Tenant Board matters include hourly fees and flat fees for drafting and serving of Board forms and applications.

Can I hire you just for one hearing?

Yes. Glenlake offers Limited Scope retainers where we do not go on record, but do appear on your behalf as your representative for whatever hearing you retain us for?

Do I need to pay anything up front?

Our consultations are billed at the time of confirmation of the booking (a partial refund is provided if the appointment is cancelled 48 hours in advance). A full retainer requires an upfront payment into the firm’s trust account, the amount of which is determined by the facts of the matter.

I’ve been fired and I cannot afford a lawyer. Can you help me?

Yes! Employment law is one of the many disputes that Glenlake Paralegal can assist you with.

I need to terminate the employment of one of my staff, can you help with this?

Yes. Glenlake can assist an employer in the termination process to ensure that the business is protected with a reduced likelihood of litigation from the employee.