1. Use the current prescribed form
Start with the official Ontario Court Forms directory. Check the form number, name, version and effective date; do not use a greyed future version before it takes effect. This reference identifies common forms rather than replacing the official directory or every specialized form.
Fill in the court location, file number and legal names consistently. Attach required schedules, make readable copies and complete signatures correctly. An affidavit must be sworn or affirmed before an authorized commissioner; signing alone is not commissioning. A commissioned affidavit still needs the right content, service and filing.
| Form | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Additional Parties | Add parties who do not fit on the main form. |
| 1B / 1C | Request / Objection to Change Attendance Method | Request a different hearing method or object. |
| 7A | Plaintiff’s Claim | Start the original claim. |
| 8A | Affidavit of Service | The server gives sworn proof of service. |
| 9A | Defence | Respond to a plaintiff’s or defendant’s claim. |
| 9B | Request to Clerk | Request specified clerk steps, including noting in default. |
| 10A | Defendant’s Claim | Bring a claim against the plaintiff or another person. |
| 11A / 11B | Affidavit for Jurisdiction / Default Judgment | Provide jurisdiction evidence where needed; request eligible clerk’s judgment. |
| 11.2A | Request for Clerk’s Order on Consent | Request a consent order within the clerk’s authority. |
| 11.3A | Notice of Discontinued Claim | Discontinue a claim when appropriate. |
| 13A / 13B | List of Proposed Witnesses / Consent | Prepare for conference; record the prescribed consent where applicable. |
| 14A / 14B / 14C / 14D | Settlement forms | Offer, accept, withdraw an offer, or record terms of settlement. |
| 15A / 15B | Notice of Motion and Supporting Affidavit / Affidavit | Request an order or provide responding sworn evidence. |
| 18A | Summons to Witness | Require attendance through the prescribed process. |
| 20A | Certificate of Judgment | Obtain the prescribed certificate where required. |
| 20B / 20C / 20D | Writs | Delivery; seizure and sale of personal property; seizure and sale of land. |
| 20E / 20E.1 | Notice of Garnishment / Renewal | Start or renew a qualifying garnishment. |
| 20F / 20G | Garnishee’s Statement / Notice to Co-owner of Debt | Address garnishee information and jointly owned debt. |
| 20H / 20I | Notice of Examination / Financial Information Form | Arrange examination and financial disclosure. |
| 20N / 20P / 20R | Enforcement request and termination forms | Renew a writ, support an enforcement request, or terminate garnishment. |
Official reference: Official Small Claims Court forms
2. Count the right period from the right event
The table below is a planning reference, not a deadline calculator. Rule 3 deals with time counting; holidays, short periods, effective-service provisions, after-hours delivery and court orders can affect the result. The date you read a document may differ from the date service became effective.
Record the trigger, rule, calculation and source. Work backwards from hearings, allowing time for commissioning, service and acceptance of filing. If unsure or late, seek advice and contact the court about permitted steps rather than inventing an extension.
| Step | Usual time | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Start a claim | Often 2 years from discovery | Exceptions and special notice rules apply; verify the limitation period first. |
| Serve an issued claim | Within 6 months of issuance | Apply for an extension if needed; do not assume extra time. |
| Defend a claim | Generally 20 calendar days after effective service | Serve and file Form 9A with required proof. |
| File a defendant’s claim | Usually within 20 days after filing the defence | Court permission is required to file later. |
| Settlement conference material | At least 14 days before the conference | Serve and file Form 13A and required new trial documents. |
| Amend without an order | Ordinarily at least 30 days before the original trial date | Complete Rule 12 service and filing; party changes can raise other issues. |
| Trial documents and statements | Ordinarily serve at least 30 days before trial | Check Rule 18.02, author information, expert details and court directions. |
| Summons a witness | Ordinarily at least 10 days before trial | Personal service and attendance money are required. |
| Ordinary motion | Serve at least 7 days; file at least 3 days before hearing | Response generally at least 2 days before; special procedures may differ. |
| Qualifying offer for costs purposes | Serve at least 7 days before trial | Other Rule 14 conditions and court discretion also apply. |
| Appeal start | Generally serve within 30 days of order; file within 10 days after service | Verify eligibility, required documents, exceptions and Divisional Court directions. |
Official reference: Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98
3. Keep a case register
Maintain one list of every document: version, date issued, parties served, method, effective date, proof filed and acceptance confirmation. Keep separate entries for each party when service dates differ. Record hearing notices, orders, rejected submissions and corrected filings.
Also monitor the court’s delay-dismissal requirements under the Rules. Starting a claim does not let it remain inactive indefinitely. If you receive a dismissal warning or order, act promptly. Use the filing and fees guide for costs and waiver options; fees and forms should be rechecked before each step.
Official reference: Ontario: serving documents
Your next-step checklist
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General information for Ontario, not advice about your case. Legislation, court orders and current court directions govern. Get help with your situation.