Whether you're the one bringing a claim or defending against one, the outcome generally depends on the evidence you bring and how the process — settlement conference, and if needed, trial — actually plays out. This page brings together the deeper Insights guides and the shorter, practical process pages on both topics.
Evidence, documents and witnesses
Start with the in-depth Insights hub, then use the quick-reference guide below when you're ready to act:
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Insights hub
Evidence, Documents and Witnesses
The full picture: what counts as evidence, how to organize documents and photos, and what witnesses actually need to do.
3 in-depth articles
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Court Process
Evidence and Witnesses
The shorter, practical version of the same topic.
Settlement conferences, trials and timelines
Most cases that don't settle directly go through a settlement conference before any trial. Here's the deeper reading and the practical process pages for each stage:
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Insights hub
The Small Claims Court Process
What actually happens at a settlement conference, what to expect on trial day, and a realistic look at timelines.
3 in-depth articles
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Court Process
Settlement Conferences
The required, informal early step in most cases.
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Court Process
Preparing for a Settlement Conference
How to walk in ready.
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Court Process
Preparing for Trial
Organizing evidence, documents and witnesses if the case doesn't settle.
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Court Process
Trials
What happens on the day itself.
The quick, practical guide
If you want the complete, ordered walkthrough of the court process from filing through judgment — not just the evidence and hearings stages — see the full Court Process guide.
Important note
What counts as strong evidence, and how a settlement conference or trial actually unfolds, can vary by court location and by the specifics of a case. This page and its linked articles are general educational information, not legal advice — see our disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to present evidence at a settlement conference or trial?
No — Small Claims Court is designed for people to represent themselves, though you may choose to involve a lawyer or licensed paralegal. See do I need a lawyer or paralegal?
What's the difference between this page and the Insights hubs it links to?
This page is a directory — it organizes and links to the deeper Insights articles and the shorter practical Court Process pages so you don't have to hunt for them separately.
Do I need witnesses for every case?
Not necessarily — it depends on what you're trying to prove and whether documents alone can establish it. See Witnesses in Ontario Small Claims Court for a fuller discussion.