Civil law information and resources
Find information and resources about civil cases in Ontario, including Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice and Divisional Court appeals.
Most civil court proceedings involving a claim for money, property or damages are called actions or lawsuits. Depending on the value of the claim, a civil action may be heard in the Superior Court of Justice or the Small Claims Court. Civil matters also include probate applications, other estates proceedings, civil appeals and civil enforcement (by the sheriff of the Superior Court of Justice or the Small Claims Court bailiff).
Small Claims Court
Suing someone in the Small Claims Court
Learn how to sue someone in the Small Claims Court for $35,000 or less.
Being sued in the Small Claims Court
What to do if you are being sued in the Small Claims Court.
Rules of the Small Claims Court
Access the rules of court that apply to Small Claims Court proceedings.
Guide to procedure in the Small Claims Court
Learn about the steps to follow in the Small Claims Court.
Small Claims Court forms
Download or print the court forms needed for Small Claims Court proceedings.
File Small Claims Court documents online
Learn how to file Small Claims Court documents online without having to go to the courthouse.
Practice directions and notices for the Small Claims Court
Information published by the court on Small Claims Court procedures.
Types of civil cases in the Superior Court of Justice and Divisional Court
Civil court proceedings also include applications, judicial reviews and statutory appeals. These types of proceedings may be heard in the Superior Court of Justice or Divisional Court (a branch of the Superior Court of Justice).
Suing and being sued
Learn what to do if you are suing or being sued in the Superior Court of Justice.
Simplified procedure for claims up to $200,000
Learn about the special process for lower-value claims in the Superior Court of Justice.
Appeals in the Divisional Court
Learn about the steps to follow in Divisional Court appeals.
Applications for judicial review in the Divisional Court
Read the guide to judicial review published by the Superior Court of Justice.
Civil cases in the Superior Court of Justice and Divisional Court
Civil case management
Learn about the special process for certain complex civil cases in the Superior Court of Justice.
Civil court forms
Download or print the court forms needed for civil court proceedings.
Mandatory mediation for civil actions
Learn about mandatory mediation for civil cases in Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor and find a mediator, including low-cost mediation.
File civil case documents online
Learn how to file court documents online for a civil case in the Superior Court of Justice — without having to go to the courthouse.
File bankruptcy court documents online
Learn how to file court documents online for a bankruptcy court case.
Practice directions and notices for civil proceedings in the Superior Court of Justice
Information published by the court on civil procedures.
Rules of Civil Procedure
Access the rules of court that apply to civil court proceedings.
Fees and interest
Fees in Superior Court of Justice civil matters
Learn about the fees applicable for civil proceedings.
Fees in the Small Claims Court
Read about the fees applicable in Small Claims Court matters.
Have your fees waived
Find out if you qualify to have your court fees waived and learn how to request a fee waiver.
Paying money into court
Learn how to pay money to the court for a civil or family court case or when managing a child’s money.
Calculating prejudgment and postjudgment interest
Find the interest rates that apply to the money owed in a civil court case in the Superior Court of Justice.
Calculating the discount rate and gross-up rate
Find the rates that are used to calculate the amount owed on an award for future pecuniary damages.
Civil Rules Committee
The procedural rules that apply to civil court proceedings are made by the Civil Rules Committee, subject to the approval of the Attorney General. The Civil Rules Committee is not part of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Estates proceedings (probate)
Apply for probate of an estate (standard process)
Learn how to apply for probate (Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee).
Probate of a small estate
Learn how to apply for probate (Small Estate Certificate) to manage an estate valued at up to $150,000.
Rules of Civil Procedure
Access the rules of court that apply to estates proceedings.
Estate court forms
Download or print the court forms needed for estates proceedings.
Practice directions and notices for civil proceedings (including estates) in the Superior Court of Justice
Information published by the court on civil proceeding, including estates procedures.
Estate administration tax
Learn about the estate administration tax and access the tax calculator.
Civil Rules Committee
The procedural rules that apply to estates proceedings are made by the Civil Rules Committee, subject to the approval of the Attorney General. The Civil Rules Committee is not part of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Civil enforcement
Enforcing civil orders in the Small Claims Court
Learn about the process to enforce Small Claims Court judgments.
Sheriff’s fees
Read about the applicable fees for enforcement services by the Superior Court of Justice Enforcement Office.
Small Claims Court bailiff’s fees
Read about the fees in the Small Claims Court, including fees for the bailiff’s services.
Kilometre allowances
Read the regulation about the kilometre allowance that applies in certain situations, including some sheriff and bailiff services.
Civil Rules Committee
The procedural rules that apply to certain enforcement matters are made by the Civil Rules Committee, subject to the approval of the Attorney General. The Civil Rules Committee is not part of the Ministry of the Attorney General.