This section provides general information about the civil court process. It includes information on how to prepare for a hearing, the applicable rules and law, and where to find legal help and related resources. This is not a full or complete review of the civil process, nor should this be considered legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide.

Other Resources

The Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) has also developed handbooks intended as helpful guides for people who are navigating the civil justice system without a lawyer to prepare and present their legal case. For more information, see the Civil Law Handbook for Self-Represented Litigants

Pro Bono Ontario is a non-profit organization committed to helping Ontarians with their everyday civil legal needs. If you can’t afford a lawyer, call their Free Legal Advice Hotline for up to 30 minutes of free legal advice and assistance with civil law matters in Ontario.

The Ministry of the Attorney General  provides a variety of online resources and services to help people understand the civil justice system.

 Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) offers online, practical, step-by-step information about some civil court issues and processes.