Does a minor suing for an amount not exceeding $500 need a litigation guardian?

In Ontario, a minor, which is defined as a person under the age of 18, generally possesses limited legal capacity to bring a lawsuit on their own. However, when it comes to small claims matters, like a claim for an amount not exceeding $500, the rules are different.

For claims of that nature, minors are allowed to represent themselves in court. This reflects the principle of simplifying access to justice for lower-stakes disputes, reducing the burden on both the court system and the parties involved. While a litigation guardian is typically required for larger claims or more complicated legal matters to ensure that the minor's interests are properly represented, the threshold for requiring such oversight is different in the small claims context.

It is crucial to understand that while minors generally need a litigation guardian to enter into legal affairs, in small claims court, the procedural rules are designed to facilitate the minor’s ability to seek redress without the logistical and financial complications of appointing a guardian for such a relatively small amount.