Self-Representation Tips for Ontario Courts and Tribunals

How Self-Represented Litigants Can Succeed with Legal Support Services

Why Self-Represented Litigants Should Use Legal Coaching and Court Document Support

Representing yourself in Ontario court or before a tribunal can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right legal coaching, court document formatting, and procedural guidance, self-represented litigants in Ontario can confidently manage their own cases while saving thousands in legal fees.

At LawPrep Consulting, we empower individuals who want to represent themselves in Small Claims Court, Family Court, Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, or tribunals like the LTB or LAT, by offering professional, non-legal support in document preparation, procedural strategy, and court readiness.

7 Key Tips for Self-Represented Litigants in Ontario

1. Learn the Rules of the Court or Tribunal
Each court and tribunal has its own rules and timelines. Whether it’s the Rules of Civil Procedure for the Superior Court or Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal Rules, or Tribunal-specific practice directions, understanding the process is essential to avoiding procedural errors.

2. Start With a Strong Foundation
Clearly define your issue, legal position, and desired outcome. For appellate matters, you’ll need to identify legal errors, reference the record below, and frame your grounds of appeal precisely.

3. Use Templates and Examples Wisely
For Small Claims or appeals, document preparation must follow formatting guidelines (e.g. Notices of Appeal, Appellant’s Certificate, Factum, or Motion Records). We help ensure every form and exhibit is properly presented.

4. Organize Your Evidence and Record
In appeal matters, your Appeal Book and Compendium must include relevant excerpts, exhibits, and decision texts. For tribunals or trial-level matters, organizing emails, leases, contracts, or medical records early saves time and improves clarity.

5. Practice Your Presentation
Even at the appellate level, oral advocacy matters. Whether you’re before a three-judge panel at the Court of Appeal, or a single judge at Divisional Court, rehearsing your arguments increases confidence and clarity.

6. Prepare a Timeline and Issue Outline
Create a summary of the key events and legal issues in your case. For appeals, this also means identifying the standard of review and the errors in law or fact.

7. Ask for Procedural Help — Not Legal Advice
While legal advice is reserved for lawyers, procedural support — like understanding deadlines, page limits, formatting rules, and preparing affidavits or books of authorities — can be provided by experienced consultants like us.

Save Thousands Without Sacrificing Quality

Hiring a lawyer to argue an appeal in Divisional Court or the Court of Appeal often costs $7,500–$25,000+. With LawPrep Consulting, you get:

• Help preparing Notices of Appeal and Motion Records

• Assistance compiling and indexing your Appeal Book and Factum

• Editing and formatting to comply with Divisional Court Practice Direction

• Coaching on how to present your legal arguments at appeal hearings

Our Premium Package at $500 includes everything a self-represented litigant needs to prepare and present their case with confidence.

Real Stories. Real Success.

Our clients have successfully represented themselves at the:

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

• Small Claims Court

• License Appeal Tribunal (LAT)

• Superior Court of Justice – Civil and Family

• Divisional Court (Judicial Reviews & Appeals)

• Court of Appeal for Ontario

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Let Law Prep Consulting help you stay in control, stay prepared, and stay empowered