Debt collections
Understanding Debt Collections in Ontario
Debt collections occur when someone owes money to another party — an individual, business, or organization. This debt may arise from a loan, a contract, or a failure to pay for goods or services received.
If someone owes you money, that person is known as the debtor, and you are the creditor.
In Ontario, both debtors and creditors have specific rights and responsibilities during the debt collection process. Certain practices are prohibited by law, ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved.
At Juzkiw Law, our experienced debt collection attorneys help individuals and businesses recover what they’re owed quickly and legally — without unnecessary stress or harassment.
Debt Collections at Small Claims Court
At Small Claims Court, the judge had attempted to reach an agreement between the parties involved even before the debt collection trial. The intention of the deal is for the debtor to pay the debt. It is also possible that there is an attempt to make the debtor more flexible. These attempts will be made before the trial. If the settlement is not accepted, the case will go to the Small Claims Court.
At Small Claims Court, you do not necessarily need a lawyer to handle your debt collections case. However, you will need to gather all the evidence and complete all the forms for filing the claim with the Small Claims Court.
The Debt Collection Process at Juzkiw Law
At Juzkiw Law, we understand that debt recovery can be frustrating and time-consuming. That’s why our debt collection agency Ontario services combine professionalism, persistence, and legal expertise to get you results.
Here’s how we make the process efficient and effective:
1. Sending a Demand Letter
We begin by sending your debtor a Juzkiw Law demand letter, notifying them of the debt owed and the intention to pursue legal action if not resolved. This is often followed by a phone call for further discussion.
2. Negotiation and Payment Arrangements
We give the debtor an opportunity to settle voluntarily. Depending on financial disclosure, we may arrange a discounted settlement or a structured payment plan to resolve the debt amicably.
3. Legal Enforcement
If the debtor refuses to cooperate, our debt collection attorneys will proceed with court-based enforcement options, such as:
- Garnishment of wages or bank accounts
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- Writ of seizure and sale against property or assets
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- Judicial sale of real estate to recover the owed amount
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We handle every step — from filing the claim to enforcing the judgment — ensuring you get what’s rightfully yours.
4. Reporting Delinquent Debtors
Upon your instruction, Juzkiw Law can also report unpaid debts to credit agencies, affecting the debtor’s credit score and increasing pressure for repayment.
5. Legal Collections Beyond Agencies
Unlike typical debt collection agencies, Juzkiw Law can take legal action to enforce payment. We don’t rely on harassment or intimidation — we use the full power of the legal system to secure fair outcomes.
Our Aim at Juzkiw Law
Juzkiw Law wishes to incorporate the best of what collection agencies and law firms have to offer. Collection agencies cannot utilize the power of the legal system to enforce debt payments. Also, scare-tactics and harassment do more damage than good in terms of relations between creditor and debtor.Â
We put our money where our mouth is and carry the cost burden of suing, with our clients only paying out-of-pocket disbursements until we recover money. We commence legal proceedings on suit-worthy files and follow through to obtain and enforce the judgment, including defending groundless counter-claims and responding to meritless appeals.
Typical Outcomes
There are three typical outcomes of our legal collections process:
- The debtor will pay the debt or a warranted discounted settlement voluntarily without a legal proceeding;
- The debtor will be forced to pay the debtor a warranted discounted settlement by a legal proceeding; or
- We will advise the client of why the debt is unrecoverable.
Let Juzkiw Law Firm help you with your debt collection matter. At Juzkiw Law Firm, we have experience with debt collections at Small Claims Court, and we can help you. We work hard to get you your rights. Call us for more information – (416) 221-2221
FAQs about Debt Collections in Ontario
A debt collection agency is a company or law firm that helps creditors recover unpaid debts from individuals or businesses. In Ontario, agencies must follow strict regulations to ensure fair collection practices.
A debt collection attorney can take legal action on your behalf — such as filing a lawsuit or enforcing a court order — while a standard agency can only contact the debtor to request payment.
Yes. As a licensed law firm, Juzkiw Law can contact debtors directly and send legal notices, including demand letters, to initiate or enforce collections.
The timeline depends on the debtor’s cooperation. Some cases resolve within weeks after a demand letter, while others may require legal enforcement, which can take longer.
Our debt collection lawyers can use legal tools like wage garnishment, bank seizures, or property liens to recover what is owed.
Absolutely. We handle commercial debt collections for small and large businesses across Ontario, helping you recover unpaid invoices or contracts.
Fees depend on the complexity and size of the claim. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and receive a transparent quote.
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