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Legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially when you are uncertain about the process, cost or available options. Below are answers to common questions about consultations, landlord representation, Small Claims Court and working with Genesis Legal Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
CLEAR ANSWERS. CONFIDENT NEXT STEPS.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What services does Genesis Legal Services provide?
Genesis Legal Services provides paralegal representation in Ontario landlord and tenant matters, Small Claims Court proceedings and select employment-related disputes. Services include legal consultations, document preparation, procedural reviews, hearing preparation, negotiation and representation before permitted courts and tribunals.
Are you licensed to provide legal services in Ontario?
Yes. Genesis Legal Services Professional Corporation is operated by a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.
Do you represent clients throughout Ontario?
Yes. Virtual consultations and online proceedings allow us to assist clients throughout Ontario. In-person appointments may also be available by arrangement.
How much is a legal consultation?
Legal consultations are $300 plus HST unless otherwise stated. The consultation allows us to review your circumstances, explain your options and recommend possible next steps.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Please provide all documents relevant to your matter, including agreements, notices, applications, court or tribunal documents, payment records, emails, text messages, photographs and a timeline of important events.
Does booking a consultation mean you have accepted my case?
No. Booking or attending a consultation does not automatically create a paralegal-client relationship. Representation begins only after we complete our intake and conflict-checking procedures, agree to accept the matter and confirm the retainer in writing.
Can you guarantee the outcome of my case?
No legal representative can guarantee a particular result. Outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law and the decision of the court or tribunal. We provide an honest assessment and prepare each accepted matter as thoroughly as possible.
How much will representation cost?
Fees depend on the type, complexity and stage of the matter. Some services are offered at flat rates, while others are billed hourly. You will receive information about the applicable fees and scope of work before retaining Genesis Legal Services.
Do you offer Limited-Scope Retainers
Yes. Depending on the matter, you may retain Genesis Legal Services for a specific task, such as reviewing a notice, preparing a document, organizing evidence or helping you prepare for a hearing while you remain responsible for other parts of the case.
Can a Paralegal represent a landlord at the Landlord and Tenant Board?
Yes. Paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario may advise and represent landlords in proceedings before the Landlord and Tenant Board.
LANDLORD AND TENANT BOARD QUESTIONS
What landlord matters do you handle?
We assist with matters involving unpaid rent, persistent late payments, property damage, tenant conduct, lease violations, landlord’s or purchaser’s own use, Landlord and Tenant Board hearings, tenant applications and post-order enforcement.
Can you prepare an eviction notice?
Yes. We can review the circumstances and prepare the appropriate notice where there are sufficient legal grounds. The correct notice and procedure will depend on the facts of the tenancy.
Can you review a notice I prepared myself?
Yes. We offer compliance reviews for landlord notices and applications. The review may help identify incorrect dates, missing information, procedural concerns or other issues before service or filing.
Why is it important to have a notice reviewed?
Landlord and Tenant Board proceedings are highly technical. An incorrect termination date, incomplete allegation or procedural error may delay the matter or affect the application. A review can help identify preventable issues before the document is served or filed.
What happens after an N4 notice is served?
The next steps depend on whether the tenant pays the arrears and whether the notice has been properly completed and served. If the tenant does not pay the required amount by the termination date, the landlord may be able to file an L1 application.
Can you defend a landlord against a tenant's T2, T5 or T6 application?
Yes. We assist landlords with reviewing the allegations, organizing their evidence, preparing witnesses and responding to tenant applications involving tenant rights or maintenance concerns.
Can you enforce an LTB monetary order?
Yes. Where appropriate, we can assist with filing an eligible Landlord and Tenant Board order with Small Claims Court and pursuing available enforcement procedures.
What types of Small Claims Court matters do you handle?
We assist with breach-of-contract disputes, unpaid invoices, outstanding loans, property damage, negligence claims, unpaid compensation and judgment enforcement. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants.
SMALL CLAIMS COURT QUESTIONS
What is the Small Claims Court limit in Ontario?
Ontario Small Claims Court hears civil claims for up to $50,000, excluding interest and costs.
Can a Paralegal represent me at Small Claims Court?
Yes. Licensed paralegals may provide legal advice and represent clients in Ontario Small Claims Court.
What should I do if I have been served with a Plaintiff's Claim?
Review the documents immediately and obtain advice as soon as possible. A Defence must be filed within the required period. Failing to respond may allow the plaintiff to seek default judgment.
Do all Small Claims Court matters go to trial?
No. Some matters settle through direct negotiation or during the settlement-conference process. Whether settlement is appropriate depends on the evidence, risks, costs and positions of the parties.
Can you send a demand letter before starting a claim?
Yes. A formal demand letter may help clarify the dispute and encourage payment or settlement before court proceedings are commenced.
What happens at a settlement conference?
A settlement conference allows the parties to discuss the dispute, consider settlement and receive guidance from a judge. It may also help narrow the issues and identify the evidence required if the matter proceeds to trial.
Can you help me enforce a judgement?
Yes. Depending on the debtor’s circumstances, enforcement options may include garnishment or a debtor examination. Receiving a judgment does not automatically guarantee payment.
EMPLOYMENT-RELATED DISPUTE QUESTIONS
Do you handle employment disputes?
Genesis Legal Services assists with select employment-related matters that fall within the permitted scope of paralegal practice, including certain claims before Small Claims Court, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and applicable administrative processes.
What happens if my matter is outside a Paralegal's permitted scope?
If your matter requires representation outside the permitted paralegal scope, we will advise you and may recommend that you consult an employment lawyer.
APPOINTMENTS AND COMMUNICATION
How do I book a consultation?
Appointments may be booked by contacting our office by email or telephone.
Are consultations available virtually?
Yes. Virtual consultations are available for clients throughout Ontario. In-person appointments may be available by arrangement.
How quickly will you respond to my inquiry?
We aim to respond to inquiries as promptly as possible during regular business hours. Urgent deadlines should be clearly identified when contacting our office; however, sending an inquiry does not guarantee that we can accept or act on the matter.
Is information submitted through the website confidential?
We handle inquiries in accordance with our privacy and professional obligations. However, you should avoid submitting extensive confidential details or sensitive documents through the general contact form before we complete an initial intake and conflict check.
Still Have Questions?
Every legal matter is different. A consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand your options and determine the appropriate next step.
Submitting an inquiry or booking a consultation does not create a paralegal-client relationship. Representation begins only after Genesis Legal Services accepts the matter and confirms the retainer in writing.