Note: this planner provides a general, informational summary only — not legal advice and not a guarantee that any offer you send will be accepted or achieve a particular result.
What This Planner Actually Does
A settlement offer works best when its terms are clear and well thought out — the amount, any conditions, and the timing all matter. This wizard walks you through organizing those details into a coherent proposal before you send it. For the fuller picture of why formal offers matter and how they can affect costs, see offers to settle.
What You'll Need Before You Start
- What you originally claimed or were prepared to claim, for comparison.
- An honest, realistic assessment of your case — the offer should reflect a genuine view of the likely outcome, not just an opening position.
- Any conditions you want attached — payment timing, structure, or other terms.
- A sense of what proceeding would cost if the offer isn't accepted — see the court fee calculator.
Making Sure Your Offer Is a Formal One
A formal offer to settle is a specific, documented proposal made in a way the court's rules recognize — distinct from a casual conversation or an informal number mentioned in passing. That formality is what can give it weight on costs later if the case doesn't settle. Use this planner to organize your terms, then confirm your offer meets the court's specific format requirements before sending it — see offers to settle for the fuller explanation.
What to Do With the Result
Once your terms are organized, compare how the offer stacks up against a realistic trial outcome using the settlement vs. court calculator or the fuller settle-or-court decision tool, then send your offer in a way that meets the court's formal requirements.
Official sources
- Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98 — the procedural rules governing claims, defences, settlement conferences, trials and enforcement.
- Guide to Small Claims Court Process — the official step-by-step process guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this planner free to use?
Yes — it's provided as a free informational tool, with no account or payment required.
How is this different from the settle-or-court decision tool?
This planner helps you draft the terms of an offer you're ready to make. The settle-or-court decision tool helps you decide whether to accept an offer someone else has made to you.
Does a planned offer automatically count as a formal offer to settle?
Not automatically — a formal offer to settle generally needs to meet the court's specific requirements to carry potential cost consequences. Use this planner to organize your terms, then confirm the format meets those requirements before sending it.
Can I change my offer after I've sent it?
Generally yes — offers can be updated, renewed, or withdrawn before they're accepted, as a case progresses and circumstances change.