Ontario Small Claims Court Service Assistant
Use this tool to determine the appropriate method to serve your documents under Rule 8.
Ontario Small Claims Court Service Assistant (V1.1)
Use this tool to determine the appropriate method to serve your documents under Rule 8. Last Updated on January 23, 2026.
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Courtready’s Ontario Small Claims Court Service Assistant
This interactive tool helps you figure out how to serve court documents for an Ontario Small Claims Court lawsuit, step by step.
First, you select the document you’re serving. Then, the tool will show you the permitted methods of service, with plain-language instructions and direct references to Rule 8, so you know where the requirements come from.
In addition to learning about serving documents, you can also learn about how to navigate Ontario’s Small Claims Court with Courtready Academy.
We want to empower Canadians with the right tools and knowledge to navigate our justice system with confidence. Finally, while you are here, be sure to check out our other tools above!
Frequently Asked Questions
This tool helps you serve Small Claims Court documents correctly by asking you to choose the document and then showing the permitted service methods under Rule 8, including the exact rule wording.
To serve documents in Ontario Small Claims Court, you first identify the document (for example, a Plaintiff’s Claim, Defence, or Notice of Examination). Next, you follow the service method the rules allow for that document, such as personal service, an alternative to personal service, mail, courier, or email (where permitted).
No. Some documents require personal service (or an alternative to personal service), such as a Plaintiff’s Claim or Defendant’s Claim. However, other documents, like a Defence, may be served by mail, courier, email, personal service, or an alternative method, unless the court orders otherwise.
When you cannot complete personal service at an individual’s residence, you can serve by leaving a sealed envelope with an adult household member and then mailing or couriering another copy the same day or the next day. The rules treat this service as effective on the fifth day after mailing or verified delivery.
Yes. To serve a corporation, you must use one of the methods permitted by Rule 8, such as personal service on a director or officer, or service at the corporation’s registered office.