Finding Your Small Claims Court Location

Once you've worked out which jurisdiction your case belongs to, the next practical step is identifying the actual court office that serves that area — and understanding what to expect once you know where you're headed.

Two different questions: jurisdiction and office

"Where do I file?" actually breaks into two separate questions. The first — which jurisdiction has authority over your case — is covered in where to file. The second — which specific court office serves that jurisdiction — is what this page focuses on.

Finding the specific court office

Once you know the general area your case connects to — where the defendant is located, or where the dispute arose — the next step is identifying the specific Small Claims Court office serving that area. Ontario's court offices are organized by region, and more than one municipality can be served by the same office, so it's worth confirming the exact office rather than assuming the closest building to you is automatically the right one. See the Ontario Small Claims Court locations directory for addresses and phone numbers organized by region. If a case already underway turns out to have been filed at the wrong office, see transferring a case to another location for how that gets corrected.

What to confirm once you've found it

• The office's mailing address and, if you plan to file in person, its physical location.
• Whether the office accepts filings by mail, online, or only in person.
• Current hours and any appointment requirements for in-person matters.
• Any location-specific procedures for the step you're taking.

How filing methods can vary by location

Not every court office necessarily offers the same filing methods — some steps may be available online or by mail, while others may require an in-person visit or a specific format. Confirm the accepted method for your specific court office and the specific step you're taking, rather than assuming every option is universally available everywhere.

Attending a hearing at your court location

If your case reaches a stage requiring an in-person or remote appearance — a settlement conference or a trial — confirm the format, location, and any check-in requirements well before your date. Arriving early and knowing exactly where to go reduces one more source of stress on what's already a significant day.

Accessibility considerations

If you have accessibility needs — whether related to mobility, hearing, vision, or language — reach out to your specific court office in advance to understand what accommodations are available. Courts generally aim to be accessible, but confirming details ahead of time avoids unnecessary complications on the day itself.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the nearest building is automatically the right office, without confirming it actually serves your jurisdiction.
• Not confirming accepted filing methods before attempting to file a specific document.
• Waiting until the last minute to confirm hearing logistics for an upcoming court date.
• Not requesting accessibility accommodations far enough in advance.

Frequently asked questions