All Posts

Hi Everyone, it's Kristy from Clearly Legal I wanted to chat today about the Courts and Tribunals. Disputes happen every day, ranging from simple disagreements to complex legal battles. Ontario’s legal system addresses this variety through the tribunals and the courts. Knowing how these two differ can save you time, money, and stress when facing a legal issue. This post touches on the key differences between tribunals and courts in Ontario, helping you understand which option

Hi Everyone, it's Kristy from Clearly Legal. I wanted to discuss Unbundled Legal Services today. Whether you are a lawyer or a self-rep, legal processes can feel overwhelming and expensive. Many lawyers do all of the work, substantive and procedural themselves (not a good use of time or resources). Many self-reps avoid seeking any kind of help because they worry about high costs or paying for services they do not fully need. What if you could get help only for the specific pa

Hi Everyone, it's Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I wanted to chat about Tribunals Ontario , and to highlight the tribunals I have the most familiarity with, and that I feel are the most common. For people facing disputes related to property assessments, human rights, rental agreements, licences, or social benefits, tribunals offer a more accessible and often faster way to resolve conflicts. Understanding what Tribunals Ontario is and how it works can save you time, money,

Hi Everyone, it's Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I want to discuss Procedural Law vs Substantive Law . When navigating the Ontario legal system, it is crucial to understand the distinction between procedural law and substantive law. These two branches of law serve different purposes, but work together to ensure justice is served fairly and efficiently. Knowing how they differ can help you better grasp how lawsuits progress, the correct ways to do things, and the division

Hi everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I want to discuss how a construction lien matter can end up in Small Claims Court in Ontario and outline the basic timeline—first, a quick reminder. A lien  is a charge registered on the title to a property. Step 1: Know the lien deadlines Construction lien files live and die by deadlines. In general terms, under Ontario’s Construction Act: Preserve the lien  by registering it within 60 days  of the relevant triggering event

Hi everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I want to cover the basics of Small Claims Court in Ontario , and the early steps that drive the timeline of a file. Small Claims Court is designed to be more accessible to the public and self-represented people, and is less formal than Superior Court, however, the process still has strict deadlines. If you miss a duedate, it is possible to have your work rejected, which can have expensive and negative consequences on your l

Hi everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today I want to talk about legislation, and how a bill becomes law. Legislation is the law. It is the written rules that governs Canada. When new legislation is proposed, it is introduced in Parliament as a bill . All bills are first introduced in the Senate or in the House of Commons . A bill is brought forward to amend  existing laws, repeal  laws, or create  new laws. Here is the basic process: 1. First Reading The bill is in

Responding to a lawsuit in Ontario? From Notices of Intent to multi-party defence claims, this guide breaks down your options and explains how experienced clerking ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in litigation defence.

Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes during a live court hearing? From hyperlinking factums and preparing CaseLines to managing documents during oral submissions, Kristy uses 20+ years of litigation experience to give lawyers real-time support and peace of mind.

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, let’s walk through one of the most fundamental steps in Ontario civil litigation: Ontario defence filing deadlines- the serving and filing a Statement of Defence. When a defendant is served with a Statement of Claim, timing immediately becomes critical. Missing a deadline can lead to a default judgment — meaning the plaintiff could win simply because you did not respond in time. Defence Filing Deadlines Under Rule 18 (Ontari

Kristy from Clearly Legal breaks down the essential elements of a Joint Document Brief (JDB), explaining what to include, what to agree on, and how her experience ensures efficiency and savings.

Understanding the monetary caps of Ontario’s court systems is essential for navigating claims effectively. Small Claims Court currently handles cases up to $35,000, Simplified Procedure applies to claims between $35,000 and $200,000, and the Regular Stream covers $200,000 and above. With over 20 years of experience working across all three streams, I can guide you through issuing, transferring, and managing files—saving you both time and money.

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I want to talk about Joint Document Briefs (JDBs)  and why they matter in litigation. What is a Joint Document Brief? A Joint Document Brief, or JDB, is a compilation of documents that all counsel in a case intend to introduce at trial. Why JDBs are Considered Best Practice In litigation, keeping a trial focused is critical. Courts want efficiency, and counsel want to avoid wasting time and resources on duplicating documents

Understanding commissioning and notarization is key to ensuring your legal documents are valid. As both a Commissioner and Notary Public, I provide seamless, trusted services across Ontario—from affidavits and sworn statements to certified copies and consent letters. Learn why choosing dual-credential support saves time, money, and stress with Clearly Legal.

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I want to talk with you about the enforcement of judgments in Ontario—the tools that...

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. I wanted to talk with you today about the differences between legal assistants, law clerks,...

Motions and applications are two of the most common court procedures, but they serve different purposes. A motion seeks specific relief within an existing case, while an application starts a new proceeding altogether. With over 20 years of experience assisting with both, I ensure documents are accurate, deadlines are met, and the right procedure is followed — saving you time, money, and stress.

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. I wanted to discuss timelines with you today . They are your “what happened.”  They are your...

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. Today, I want to talk about commencing procedures  and issuing documents —two essential...

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal. I wanted to talk with you today about legal mentoring services in Ontario At Clearly Legal,...