Ontario Process Servers

If you need a process server anywhere in Ontario, Canadian Process Serving has you covered. With offices across the province, we provide reliable document serving, court filing, and legal support services to meet your needs.

Our Ontario Services

Our experienced team is intimately familiar with the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and local court requirements. We serve all major urban centres, including the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Southwestern Ontario, as well as smaller and rural communities.

Whether you need documents served in downtown Toronto or a remote part of Northern Ontario, we have the national network and local expertise to get it done right the first time.

The “Zero Return” Standard: 5 Attempts Minimum

Most process servers try three times and quit. We do more. Our policy is a minimum of 5 attempts on different days and times (including evenings and weekends).

Why do we do this? Because returning a file as “Unserved” forces you to bring a Motion for Substituted Service. In Ontario, that motion can cost clients over $2,500 in legal fees and take months to schedule due to court backlogs. We put in the extra work upfront to save you that headache and keep your case moving.

Ontario Legal Resource Centre

Whether you are a legal professional, a business, or a private individual, understanding the process serving landscape in Ontario helps you make informed decisions. Below are answers to common questions we receive from our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (Ontario)

How many attempts are required for an Affidavit of Attempted Service?

While Ontario courts generally look for at least three attempts to prove “reasonable efforts,” our standard is a minimum of 5 attempts. We vary the times and days (morning, afternoon, evening, weekend) to create an “Ironclad Affidavit” that ensures if a Motion for Substituted Service is ever needed, it will be granted without question.

Can I serve divorce papers personally?

No. Under the Family Law Rules, a party to the case cannot serve the documents themselves. You must use a third party (like a professional process server) to serve the Application for Divorce to ensure neutrality.

What is the Small Claims Court limit in Ontario?

As of October 1, 2025, the monetary limit for Small Claims Court in Ontario is $50,000 (increased from $35,000). We frequently serve Plaintiff’s Claims and Defendant’s Claims for these matters.

Can you serve a corporation in Ontario?

Yes. We have nearly 40 years of experience serving corporations across Ontario, including on officers, directors, and agents, as well as at places of business. We know how to handle service on all types of business entities and ensure it is completed in a manner that will hold up in court.

What happens if someone cannot be personally served?

In the vast majority of cases, our 5-attempt minimum gets the job done — personal service is successfully completed. In the rare cases where personal service is not possible despite our best efforts, you may need to bring a Motion for Substituted Service. When that happens, our detailed Affidavits of Attempted Service provide the specific evidence (dates, times, locations, observations) that courts look for when granting these orders. Our thorough approach means your motion is supported by a strong evidentiary foundation from day one.

Can I serve documents by email in Ontario?

Generally, originating documents (such as a Statement of Claim or Application) must be served personally. Electronic service by email is usually only permitted if you have a specific court order allowing it, or if the other party’s lawyer has explicitly agreed to accept service electronically. If you need to explore alternative service methods, contact us and we can discuss your options.

All Ontario Office Locations (A-Z)

Click on a city below to contact our local office directly:

Why Choose Our Ontario Process Servers?

With 65+ offices strategically located across Ontario, we provide fast, reliable service throughout the province — from the GTA to Northern Ontario and everywhere in between. Our process servers are familiar with local court procedures and Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure, ensuring your documents are served correctly the first time.

Contact us today to discuss your Ontario process serving needs. We’re here to help ensure your legal documents are delivered promptly and professionally across the province.

📞 1-800-465-7378
📧 serve@canadianprocessserving.com