Lawyer or Paralegal’s Certificate of Service (Form 8B) – Rules of the Small Claims Court – Ontario Court Services

The “Lawyer or Paralegal’s Certificate of Service (Form 8B)” is a formal document used in the Superior Court of Justice and Small Claims Court in Ontario. This form is essential for legal professionals to officially certify the service of documents to involved parties.  The form ensures that all procedural requirements for document service are met and provides a record that can be submitted to the court as proof of service.

Form 8B is used to certify the service of documents in legal proceedings. Follow these steps to complete the form accurately:

Part 1: Court and Case Information

• Court Name: Enter “Superior Court of Justice” or “Small Claims Court” in the appropriate section.
• Claim Number: Write the court’s claim number.
• Address and Phone Number: Provide the address and phone number of the court.

Part 2: Party Information

• Plaintiff(s): Enter the full name(s) of the plaintiff(s).
• Defendant(s): Enter the full name(s) of the defendant(s).

Part 3: Lawyer or Paralegal Information

• Full Name: Enter your full name.
• Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Number: Write your LSO number.
• Role and Client Information: Indicate whether you are a “lawyer” or “paralegal” and specify your client (e.g., plaintiff, defendant).

Part 4: Service Certification

• Service Method
  • Check the box for “I served the document(s) identified in Section 2 myself” if you served the documents personally.
  • If someone else served the documents, check “I caused the document(s) identified in Section 2 to be served by” and provide the full name and title/role of the person who served them.
• Document Service Details
  • Enter whether “I” or the name of the person who served the documents.
  • Provide the full name of the person/corporation/etc. who was served.
  • Write the date, address (street, unit, municipality, province), or email address where the documents were served.
• Address of Service
  • Check the appropriate box to specify the type of address (home, business, representative, etc.).
  • If it’s another address, specify it in the provided space.
• Documents Served: List the name(s) of the document(s) served.

Part 5: Method of Service

• Personal Service
  • On an individual: Check the box and provide details if you left a copy with the person.
  • On a corporation/municipality/board/partnership/sole proprietorship: Check the box and provide the name and office/position of the person served.
  • For other specific scenarios, check the appropriate box and provide the necessary details.
• Service by Other Methods
  • Service on an adult at the place of residence, by registered mail, courier, email, or regular lettermail: Check the relevant box(es) and provide the required details.
  • Service on the person’s lawyer or paralegal: Check the box and attach a copy of the document endorsed with an acceptance of service.
  • Service to the last known address of a corporation or attorney for service and to the directors: Check the box and provide the names and addresses of the directors.
  • Substituted service: Check the box, provide the date, and give details of the court order.

Part 6: Additional Information

• Other Details
  • Attendance money: Check the box and provide the amount if attendance money was paid or tendered to the witness.
  • Other details: Check the box and attach a separate sheet with additional details if necessary.

Part 7: Signature and Contact Information

• Signature: Sign and date the form.
• Lawyer/Paralegal Information
  • Provide your full name, firm name, and indicate who you are representing (plaintiff/defendant).
  • Write your Law Society of Ontario number.
• Contact Information
  • Provide your street address, city/town, province, postal code, country, email address, and telephone number.

Make sure to review the form for accuracy and completeness before submitting it to the court.