Our FAQ
FAQ
Your Legal Questions Answered
1: Do I need a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket in Ontario?
No, you don't need a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket in Ontario. Licensed paralegals like Next Way Paralegals are legally authorized to represent you in Provincial Offences Court for traffic violations, hunting and fishing charges, and other provincial offences.
Paralegals offer qualified defense at more affordable rates than lawyers, with specialized knowledge of traffic court procedures and prosecution strategies. We handle everything from speeding tickets to stunt driving charges throughout Northern Ontario, attending court on your behalf so you don't have to miss work or travel long distances.
2: How does the process work when I hire a paralegal for Small Claims Court?
When you hire Next Way Paralegals for Small Claims Court, we start with a comprehensive case assessment to evaluate your legal position and likelihood of success. We then prepare and file all necessary court documents, including your claim and supporting evidence, while conducting legal research to strengthen your case.
Throughout the process, we:
FAQ
- Negotiate with the opposing party to pursue favourable settlements
- Provide thorough trial preparation support
- Help you present your evidence effectively
- Assist with understanding the court's decision
- Guide you through enforcing any judgment you receive
We support you through every stage from initial consultation to final resolution.
3: What's the difference between a paralegal and a lawyer in Ontario?
In Ontario, both paralegals and lawyers are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, but they handle different types of legal matters.
Paralegals are authorized to represent clients in:
- Provincial Offences Court (traffic tickets, bylaw violations)
- Small Claims Court (civil disputes up to $35,000)
- Landlord and Tenant Board
- Certain tribunal matters
Lawyers handle:
- Complex cases in Superior Court
- Criminal matters
- Family law
For traffic tickets, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and debt recovery in Northern Ontario, paralegals offer specialized knowledge at more accessible rates, making legal representation affordable and effective.
4: Can a paralegal help me evict a tenant in Ontario?
Yes, licensed paralegals can represent landlords at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for eviction proceedings in Ontario.
Next Way Paralegals assists landlords with:
FAQ
- Non-payment of rent applications (Form N4/L1)
- Applications to end tenancy for cause (Form N5/L2)
- Other LTB matters and hearings
- Document preparation and filing
- Negotiation with tenants when possible
- Enforcement of eviction orders
Our team understands the Residential Tenancies Act and ensures your application follows all legal requirements to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
5: What steps are involved in recovering a debt in Ontario?
Debt recovery in Ontario follows a strategic escalation process designed to collect what you're owed efficiently.
Next Way Paralegals' debt recovery process:
Debt Assessment:
Review your contracts and documentation to determine the best approach
Demand Letters:
Send formal letters outlining payment expectations and consequences
Negotiation:
Arrange repayment plans or settlements with the debtor
Small Claims Court Filing:
File your claim if the debtor remains unresponsive
Trial Representation:
Prepare your case and represent your interests at trial
Judgment Enforcement:
Assist with wage garnishment, asset seizure, or other legal remedies
We guide you through each stage to ensure you collect the money owed to you.
6: What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket in Ontario?
Ignoring a traffic ticket in Ontario leads to serious consequences. If you don't respond within 15 days, you'll be deemed not to dispute the charge and convicted automatically.
Consequences of ignoring a ticket include:
FAQ
- Mandatory fines imposed by the court
- Suspended driver's license for non-payment
- Conviction on your driving record
- Increased insurance rates for years
- Potential license suspensions for serious charges
- Job loss if you drive professionally
Next Way Paralegals can file your ticket, explore your options, and fight the charge to protect your driving record, even if your deadline is approaching.
Our Process:
File Your Ticket:
We submit your documentation to the provincial offences office and handle all administrative requirements.
Attend Court on Your Behalf:
We appear at all court dates so you don't have to, saving you time and stress.
Review the Evidence:
We obtain and analyze all evidence being used against you to build an effective defense strategy.
Negotiate with Prosecutors:
We work to secure the best possible resolution outside of court, potentially avoiding trial altogether.
Fight for You at Trial:
If necessary, we aggressively cross-examine witnesses and present your evidence to achieve the outcome you deserve.
