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, the Family Law Rules, 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” can force you to bring a motion for substituted service, which adds legal costs and delays to your case while you wait for a court date. 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 in Ontario?

The Rules of Civil Procedure do not set a fixed number of attempts. Instead, the court looks at whether reasonable efforts were made to serve the person. Our standard is a minimum of 5 attempts, varied across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. If a motion for substituted service is ever needed, your affidavit shows the court a thorough, well-documented effort.

Can I serve divorce papers personally in Ontario?

No. Under Rule 6 of the Family Law Rules, an application, including an Application for Divorce, must be served by special service carried out by someone other than the party, unless the court orders otherwise. The person serving must be at least 18 years old. A professional process server ensures service is done correctly and provides a sworn Affidavit of Service.

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 under O. Reg. 42/25). We frequently serve Plaintiff’s Claims and Defendant’s Claims for these matters.

Can you serve a corporation in Ontario?

Yes. We have over 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 Ontario?

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 under Rule 16.04 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. 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.

Can I serve documents by email in Ontario?

It depends on the document. Originating documents, such as a Statement of Claim or Notice of Application, must be served personally or by an approved alternative to personal service under Rule 16 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. Email service of an originating document generally requires a court order, or a lawyer who agrees in writing to accept service. Once a proceeding is under way, most other documents can be served by email. 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 70 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, Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Family Law Rules, 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