Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Process Service?

A. Service of process is giving legal notice to a person that a court or administrative body is engaging in a legal action involving them, so that the person can respond and is accomplished by delivering a set of court documents to the person to be served. Usually, court documents must be served upon the defendant directly. Proper service of process establishes jurisdiction of the court over the person served. If the defendant ignores further pleadings or fails to participate in the proceedings, then the court or administrative body may find the defendant in default, and the claimant wins their case. In some cases, service by substitute is allowed and documents may be served upon another responsible adult at the person's residence, place of business, or employment. In Ontario, this process is commonly known as Alternative Service. One interesting fact about process service: the person being served cannot avoid service by not taking the document in hand, as is often shown in movies: there is no requirement in Ontario that the person has to touch the document.

 

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. We have been serving all of Essex County, Ontario since 1998. This includes Windsor, Lasalle, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington, Belle River, etc.

 

Q. Do you serve papers beyond Windsor/Essex County?

A. Service is available in Chatham and Tilbury area, as well as Pelee Island. Service is also available in the Metro Detroit area, throughout the USA and from one coast of Canada to the other through our network of associated process servers, and we are continually expanding that network.

 

Q. Do you charge by the service attempt or is it a flat rate?

A. We charge a flat rate based on municipality. Multiple attempts requested after 3 attempts will only accrue a fee for mileage only.

 

Q. What does the fee include?

A. Fast, effective service; sworn Affidavits of service; and return postage via regular mail. Upgraded shipping is available for an additional fee.

 

Q. Is there a limit to the number of service attempts?

A. No, although most services are completed within 3 attempts. We will do everything we can in order to effect service, and we will only cease trying when service is not an option, not possible, or we are told to stop. We aim to successfully complete any service: that is our mission!

 

Q. Where can I find Ontario's Court Rules?

A.  Click for Ontario Civil Court Rules (Superior Court); for Ontario Small Claims Court; for Ontario Family Rules.  If you'd like to learn about Canada's Privacy Laws, click here for the Privacy Act and here for the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

 

Q. I'm looking for Ontario court forms.   Where can I find them?

A. Click here.