Not legal advice; Ontario information as of October 8, 2026. Sources: the Ontario Courts page on how to start a Small Claims Court case (read October 8, 2026) and Ontario's Guide to Procedures in Small Claims Court (page last updated July 2, 2026). The Small Claims Court Rules themselves could not be opened on the day of writing, so rule numbers are not cited here.
What Form 8A is for
Serving a claim means getting the court papers to the other side in a way the rules accept. The court does not take your word that it happened. Form 8A is the proof: the person who served the papers swears or affirms what was done, so the court can treat that party as properly served.
| Question | What the Ontario Courts page says |
|---|---|
| Who must be served? | Every other party, once the court has issued your claim. |
| By when? | 6 months from the date the claim was issued. |
| How? | Personally, or by one of the alternatives to personal service allowed by the Small Claims Court Rules — even if the party is outside Ontario. |
| Another way? | You must bring a motion asking the court's permission. |
| Who completes Form 8A? | Whoever served the party swears or affirms it. |
| How many? | One person who served several parties needs a separate Form 8A for each. |
Who can do the serving
Ontario's guide says a claim can be served by you, a friend, a business associate or a private process server. Whoever does it is the person who completes the affidavit, so choose someone who will keep careful notes: who was served, when, and how. Those facts go on Form 8A, and the person filling it out is swearing they are true.
The 6-month clock
The clock starts on the date the claim was issued by the court, not the day you wrote it or the day you filed your first draft. If you miss it, the practical effect is a problem to solve with the court, so treat 6 months as a firm outer limit and serve early. Serving early also leaves room to fix a failed attempt.
If you have a lawyer or paralegal
The Ontario Courts page says that if a lawyer or paralegal represents you, they may be able to file a Lawyer's or Paralegal's Certificate of Service (Form 8B) instead of an affidavit in certain cases. Ask your representative which applies.
Mistakes to avoid
- One affidavit for several people. Each person served needs their own Form 8A, even when one person served them all.
- No notes. Write down the date, time, place and method straight after serving.
- Trying a shortcut. Anything other than personal service or a method the Rules allow needs the court's permission by motion first.
- Forgetting the other deadlines. Service is separate from the limitation period; see our limitation periods guide.
Related walkthroughs: Form 7A (plaintiff's claim), Form 9A (defence), Form 10A (defendant's claim), and the Small Claims Court process guide.