Guides · reviewed 2026-09-04

Your settlement conference is by video: how to prepare

Legal information, not legal advice. Results depend on the facts of your case.

Legal information, not legal advice. This guide and our free tools give legal information. They do not give advice about your case. A licensed lawyer can give legal advice.

The answer

Settlement conferences are held remotely, by video, unless the court says otherwise. Trials are in person by default. The rules set 3 hearing methods: in person, by video conference, and by telephone conference.

To change the method

  1. Ask for a different method with Form 1B at least 30 days before the date. Serve it on every other party and file it with proof of service. Give your reasons.
  2. The other party can object with Form 1C no later than 7 days after service of your request.
  3. The court decides. It looks at the facilities, the effect on fact-finding, illness or infirmity, and any objection.
  4. Telephone is an option only for some events: settlement conferences, motions, terms-of-payment hearings, and trial management conferences.

Prepare for a real hearing

  1. Serve and file your documents and your Form 13A witness list at least 14 days before.
  2. In Toronto, court staff upload your filed documents to Case Center. Check the bundle the day before.
  3. Test your camera, your microphone, and your internet the day before.
  4. Choose a quiet room. Have your documents open in front of you.
  5. Dress for court.
  6. Join the call early.
  7. Prepare a 2-minute summary and your settlement range. Read: what happens at a settlement conference.
  8. If someone else must approve a settlement, keep phone access to that person for the whole conference.

Attend your conference. If you do not, the court can order costs against you and set another conference. A defendant who misses both can have the Defence struck.

Need an interpreter or an accommodation?

French interpretation and sign-language interpretation are free in Small Claims Court. Interpretation in another language is free if you qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the court office early. Every courthouse has an accessibility coordinator for accommodations.

Deadlines and fees

  • The conference comes within 90 days after the first Defence is filed.
  • Documents and Form 13A: at least 14 days before.
  • Form 1B: at least 30 days before. Form 1C objection: within 7 days after service.
  • The conference has no court fee. A later trial date costs $308, or $403 for a frequent claimant.

Common mistakes

  • Do not treat the video call as casual. The conference is a real court event, with a judge.
  • Do not join from a car or a work site.
  • Do not serve your documents late. The 14-day rule applies, and costs can follow.
  • Do not skip the technology test.

When to get a lawyer

Get legal advice if the other side has a representative, or the legal issues are hard. Legal services provided by Mithril Law — Jonathan Kleiman, licensed Ontario lawyer.

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