Plain-language answers to common questions about legal issues in Ontario.
The intake process is completely free. There is no charge to submit your information or receive an initial review. If you decide to proceed with legal representation, fees would be discussed directly with the paralegal assigned to your matter.
No. Submitting an intake does not create a lawyer-client or representative-client relationship. Your information will be reviewed and a representative will contact you to discuss whether and how they can assist.
GotACase primarily serves residents in the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Burlington, and Oakville. For some matters that can be handled virtually or before province-wide tribunals, clients across Ontario may be assisted.
A representative will review your intake and contact you as soon as possible. You can indicate your preferred contact time and method during the intake process.
Not immediately. An N4 is a Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent, not an eviction order. You have 14 days to pay the full amount owed. If you pay within that window, the notice is void. Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can issue an eviction order, which requires a separate application and hearing process.
Generally, no. Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to give tenants at least 24 hours written notice before entering, except in emergencies. Unauthorized entry is a violation of the Act and can be the basis of a T2 application to the LTB.
No. Licensed paralegals are fully authorized to represent both landlords and tenants at the Landlord and Tenant Board. You do not need a lawyer.
Yes. Paying a traffic ticket in Ontario is treated as a guilty plea. A conviction is entered on your driving record, associated demerit points are applied, and your insurer may see the conviction at renewal.
Typically 15 days from the date the ticket was issued. Check the ticket itself, it will state your deadline and your options. Missing the deadline can result in an automatic conviction.
Stunt driving in Ontario includes driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit in a 60 zone, or 50 km/h over in any other zone. A conviction can mean fines, a licence suspension of up to two years, and six demerit points. It is treated very seriously and representation is strongly advisable.
Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, minimum notice ranges from 1 week (less than 1 year of service) to 8 weeks (8 or more years). Common law entitlements, which a court might award, are often significantly higher depending on your age, position, and length of service.
Not without first understanding what you may be entitled to. Employers sometimes offer severance packages at or below the ESA minimum. Once you sign a release, you generally give up the right to claim more. It is worth getting an assessment before you agree to anything.
Constructive dismissal happens when an employer makes fundamental changes to your job, such as drastically reducing your pay, changing your role, or making the workplace intolerable, without your agreement. In some cases, you may be able to treat this as a termination and claim entitlements even if you technically resigned.
For summary offences, the waiting period is 5 years after completing your sentence. For indictable offences, it is 10 years. The waiting period begins after all conditions, including fines, probation, and any other terms, are fully completed.
A record suspension seals your criminal record from CPIC, the RCMP's national database, which means it will not appear on most standard background checks. It does not destroy the record. It can still be accessed in certain limited circumstances.
It depends on the type of decision and the grounds for refusal. Some refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division. Others may require a judicial review application or a new application altogether. Immigration deadlines are strict, sometimes as short as 15 to 30 days, so acting quickly is essential.
A removal order is a formal direction requiring you to leave Canada. There are three types, departure order, exclusion order, and deportation order, each with different consequences and different options for appeal. Ignoring a removal order has serious consequences. If you have received one, seek guidance immediately.
You generally must file an HRTO application within one year of the last incident of discrimination or harassment. Missing this deadline can eliminate your right to file, though late applications may sometimes be accepted with a reasonable explanation.
Yes. Filing internally does not prevent you from filing with the HRTO. In fact, documenting your internal complaint can sometimes support your application.
Important notice
These FAQs are for general information only and do not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different. If you have a specific legal issue, please start an intake and a licensed paralegal will review your matter directly.
Tell us your situation directly and a licensed paralegal will review your matter and reach out.
