Many people choose to prepare and file their own documents for some legal matters such as divorce, family law or small claims lawsuits. Navigating the legal system can be tricky at the best of times, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the court houses are open reduced hours or sometimes not at all. This can create even more difficulty for those who wish to file their own legal documents.
How do I file Court documents if I am not able to attend in person?
Courts are advising people not to attend in person at court houses, and stating that in many cases they should use alternative means to file documents. For instance, in Ontario, Family Court documents and Small Claims documents can be filed online, while the Superior Court in Ontario will accept email filings for some documents. It is important to check the instructions on the website for the particular court where you need to file documents.
What if I need to file an affidavit?
Some of the documents that are filed in Family Law, Small Claims and civil cases include affidavits. Affidavits are written statements used in legal proceedings. The person signing the affidavit must swear that the statements in the affidavit are true in front of a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public. You must sign these affidavits in front of a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public before you can file them with the court.
How can Red Seal Notary help?
While Red Seal Notary does NOT provide legal advice or prepare affidavits for court, we have helpful Notaries who can commission your affidavits for you. Red Seal Notary has convenient walk-in offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga where you can have the document commissioned in person. We are open even during COVID-19 lockdowns. You can also contact our helpful call center to make appointments to commission this document in person at locations across the country. You just need to bring in the document along with a piece of valid photo identification and sign the document in front of the Notary Public.
Helpful Links
Red Seal Notary information on Affidavits
Ontario Family Court
Ontario Small Claims Court
Ontario Civil or Divisional Court Submitting Documents Electronically
