Ontario Court Records give the public a view of legal decisions made across the province. Through the Ontario court case search portal you can view Ontario criminal case files, Ontario civil court filings, and Ontario family court records in a single view. The site also supports Ontario case number search and Ontario court docket lookup, letting users find a matter by number, party name, or filing date. PDFs of Ontario Superior Court of Justice judgments and Ontario Court of Appeal rulings appear as Ontario court judgments PDF that download instantly. For quick reference the Ontario court rulings database lists recent decisions and links to the full text. Users interested in Ontario probate court documents or Ontario small claims court decisions can filter results by court type. All content follows the Ontario court record privacy policy, and the system respects FOIPPA exemptions. The layout follows the Ontario judicial database access standards, making navigation simple for anyone doing Ontario case law research.
Ontario Court Records can be obtained through a straightforward request that uses the Ontario court record request form available on the official portal. When a document is not instantly shown as a PDF, the system flags Ontario court transcript availability and offers a paid copy that follows current Ontario court record fees. The same page lists the Ontario court clerk contact information and the hours for each district office, enabling callers to confirm the status of a filing or to ask about Ontario court record expiration rules. For users needing recent dates, the Ontario court hearing schedules section displays upcoming hearings and lets you run an Ontario court case status check. The Ontario court record lookup tool also accepts a name search, supporting Ontario court record search by name and Ontario case number search in one view. If a file lives in the Ontario court archives digital, the portal will show a link to request the archival copy. All steps respect the Ontario e‑filing system records policy and keep it clear for anyone seeking Ontario court documents public access.
How to Access Case Information Online
Ontario court records are open to the public through official court websites. You can search for civil, criminal, family, and small claims cases from a computer or phone. The process takes only a few minutes once you reach the correct page.
The main public search tool for Ontario Superior Court of Justice judgments is called the Ontario Case Search. You can reach it at the direct address below.
Official Case Search URL: https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onca/
For Ontario Court of Justice case lists and daily court information, use this direct page:
Official Case Search URL: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/
For Ontario Superior Court of Justice case information:
Official Case Search URL: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/
Steps to Run an Ontario Court Case Search
Follow these simple steps to find a court file.
- Open the official search page listed above.
- Pick the court level you need: Court of Appeal, Superior Court of Justice, or Court of Justice.
- Type the party name (the person or business) into the name field.
- Type the case number if you have it. A case number looks like CV-24-001234 or CR-23-005678.
- Pick a date range if you know when the case started.
- Choose a case type, such as civil, criminal, family, or small claims.
- Press the search or enter button.
- Read the list of results to find the right case.
- Click the case to see the file number, parties, dates, and available documents.
What You Can Find in the Search Results
The search results will show the case style, the file number, the court location, the date the case started, the type of case, and the names of the lawyers. Many results also link to the full text of the decision in PDF form. These PDF files are the official Ontario court judgments you can read or print at home.
Searching by Name or Case Number
An Ontario court record search by name works best when you know the full legal name of the person or company. A case number search gives the fastest and most exact result. You can also narrow a name search with a city or year to cut down the list of matches.
Limits of the Online System
Some Ontario court documents are not posted online. Sealed files, youth records, and some family files are kept private by law. Older paper files from before 1995 may also be missing from the digital system. You will need to visit the courthouse or contact the clerk to ask for those records.
Types of Cases Handled by the Court
Ontario courts handle many kinds of legal matters. Each court level deals with its own type of case, and the records reflect the work of that court.
Criminal Case Files
Ontario criminal case files cover charges under the Criminal Code and other federal laws. These files include charges such as theft, assault, fraud, and impaired driving. The Ontario Court of Justice handles most criminal cases at first appearance. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice handles the most serious criminal matters, such as murder and major drug cases. Ontario criminal conviction records show the outcome of these cases once they are finished.
Civil Court Filings
Ontario civil court filings cover disputes between people, businesses, or groups. These matters often involve contracts, property, money owed, or personal injury. Civil cases start in the Superior Court of Justice or, for smaller claims, in small claims court. The public file includes the claim, the response, and the orders made by the judge.
Family Court Records
Ontario family court records cover marriage breakdown, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption. The Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice share family work. Family files that involve children are often subject to access limits under the law.
Small Claims Court Decisions
Ontario small claims court decisions cover claims for money or the return of property up to $35,000. The small claims court is part of the Ontario Court of Justice. Decisions and reasons from the small claims court are public and may appear in the search results above.
Probate Court Documents
Ontario probate court documents deal with wills, estates, and the appointment of estate trustees. These records are filed with the Superior Court of Justice. A probate file may include the will, the application, and the certificate issued by the court.
Court of Appeal Rulings
Ontario Court of Appeal rulings cover appeals from the Superior Court of Justice and, in some cases, from the Court of Justice. The Court of Appeal sits in Toronto. Its written rulings are posted to the public database and form a key part of Ontario case law research.
Court Departments and Services
Ontario courthouses run several offices that help the public, lawyers, and judges. Each office handles a part of court business.
The Court Clerk’s Office
The clerk’s office accepts new filings, issues certified copies, and answers questions about court files. The clerk does not give legal advice. The clerk can help you find the right form and tell you the fee for each service. For Ontario court clerk contact information, see the final section of this page.
Records and Archives
The records office stores paper and digital court files. It also runs the Ontario court archives digital access program for older files. You can ask the records office to pull a file from storage, copy a document, or send you a certified copy of an order.
Family Court Services
Family court services help families with child protection, custody, and support matters. This office may also run mediation and information sessions for parents. Some sessions are open to the public, while others are by referral only.
Sheriff’s Office
The sheriff serves court documents, keeps order in the courtroom, and carries out court orders. The sheriff also handles jury service for criminal trials. You cannot get court records from the sheriff, but the sheriff can help with the delivery of legal papers.
Court Reporting and Transcripts
This office prepares the official record of what was said in court. Ontario court transcript availability depends on the type of case and the length of the hearing. You can order a transcript by filing a request form and paying the transcript fee. Some transcripts can be sent to you by email or mail.
Court Docket and Hearing Information
The docket is the list of cases set to be heard in a courtroom on a given day. You can use the docket to find Ontario court hearing schedules and to see when your own case is set to appear.
How to Read a Court Docket
A docket shows the case number, the names of the parties, the type of matter, the time of the hearing, the courtroom number, and the name of the judge. A criminal docket may also show the charge and the next step in the case. A civil docket will show whether the matter is a motion, a trial, or a conference.
Where to Find Daily Court Lists
Daily court lists for the Ontario Court of Justice are posted on the official court website the evening before the sitting. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice publishes lists on its own site. Look for the courthouse name, the date, and the courtroom to find the correct list.
Official Daily Court Lists URL: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/court-lists/
Checking the Status of a Case
An Ontario court case status check lets you see the last step in a file. You can run a status check by doing a name search or a case number search using the links in the first section. The result will show whether the case is active, on hold, or closed, and it will list the last order or event.
Rescheduling a Hearing
Only a party to the case or a lawyer can ask to move a hearing date. You must file a written request with the clerk and serve a copy on the other side. The court will send a new notice with the new date and time.
Judges and Legal Authority
Judges make the orders and decisions that appear in court records. Each judge sits in a set court and handles a set type of work.
How Judges Are Assigned
Judges of the Ontario Court of Justice are assigned to a region by the Chief Justice. Judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal are appointed by the federal government. Once appointed, they may sit in any city in the province, but each judge has a home court.
Where to Find a List of Judges
The official court website lists the judges who sit in each region. You can search by city to see the judges at your local courthouse. The list also shows the court level and the appointment date for each judge.
The Role of Case Law
Judges follow the decisions of higher courts. A decision of the Court of Appeal binds all lower courts in Ontario. A decision of the Supreme Court of Canada binds every court in the country. The body of these written decisions is called case law, and it forms the basis of Ontario case law research.
Authority of Each Court Level
The Court of Appeal has the last word on most Ontario legal questions. The Superior Court of Justice has broad authority over civil and criminal matters. The Ontario Court of Justice handles most provincial offences, family cases, and less serious criminal charges. Each level builds on the work of the level below it.
Court Fees
Court fees are set by provincial law and are subject to change. The table below lists common fees for record services, but the most current amounts always appear on the official fee schedule.
Common Court Record Fees
| Service | Type of Fee | How to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court order | Set by fee schedule | Cash, debit, or credit at the clerk’s office |
| Photocopy of a court document | Per page fee | Cash, debit, or credit at the clerk’s office |
| Court transcript | Per page fee based on length | Paid in advance to the court reporter |
| Search of court records by the clerk | Per name or file search | Cash, debit, or credit at the clerk’s office |
| Filing fee for a new case | Depends on case type | Paid at filing |
Fees vary by court level and case type. Always check the official fee schedule before paying. You can find the current fee amounts on the Ontario courts website or by calling the clerk at the courthouse listed below.
Official Fee Schedule URL: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/fees/
Issues When Accessing Court Information
Some users run into problems when they try to read or copy Ontario court records. These issues are common and have clear paths to a solution.
Records That Are Not Posted Online
Older paper files and sealed files do not appear in the online search. To get those records, you must file a written request with the clerk and pay the search fee. The clerk will tell you when the file can be picked up or sent out.
Errors in the Search Results
Spelling errors in names and case numbers are the most common cause of empty results. Try a broader search by leaving one field blank, or try a different spelling. If you still cannot find the file, contact the clerk’s office for help.
Delays Between the Court and the Online System
New court orders can take a few days to appear online. If you need a fresh order, ask the clerk for a stamped copy at the counter. The stamped copy is proof of the order right away.
Access Limits for Family and Youth Files
Family files and youth records are subject to Ontario court record privacy policy rules. You must show a reason under the law to read some parts of these files. The clerk will ask for your ID and your role in the case before letting you see a protected file.
Ontario Court Record Expiration
Some public records, such as dismissed charges that led to a discharge, are removed from public search after a set time. The exact time depends on the type of record. If a record is no longer public, the search will not return a result, even if the case did happen.
Courthouse Location & Contact Details
The main courthouse of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice sits in downtown Toronto. It is the largest court building in the province and handles civil, criminal, and family matters for the Toronto Region. The clerk’s office is open to the public during business hours.
Location & Contact Information
Ontario Superior Court of Justice
361 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1T3
Phone: 416-327-5000
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Official Website: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/
For Ontario Court of Justice matters, the main courthouse is:
Ontario Court of Justice
10 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON M5C 2V5
Phone: 416-327-5000
Official Website: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/
For the Ontario Court of Appeal, the address is:
Ontario Court of Appeal
130 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N5
Phone: 416-327-5020
Official Website: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/coa/
Ontario Court Records – Frequently Asked Questions
Ontario Court Records give the public quick access to case details, rulings, and filings. By using online tools, you can find information about civil, criminal, family, and small claims matters. The service helps lawyers, researchers, and anyone needing reliable data. Knowing where to look saves time and avoids unnecessary visits to courthouses.
How can I search Ontario Court Records online for a case number?
First, open the Ontario Case Search portal. Next, enter the exact case number in the search box. Then click the search button. Results show the case title, filing date, and current status. Finally, download the docket or click for full details. The portal updates daily, so you see the latest information without delay.
Where can I find Ontario criminal case files and conviction records?
Start at the public criminal case database on the Ministry of the Attorney General site. Enter the defendant’s name or conviction number. Press search to view charges, outcomes, and sentencing. If a PDF is available, click the link to download. For older files, request a copy through the court clerk using the online request form.
What steps are needed to request Ontario family court records?
First, locate the family court clerk’s contact page on the provincial website. Then fill out the record request form, including the parties’ names and case number. Attach a valid ID for verification. Submit the form electronically or by mail. After processing, the clerk will email the record or arrange a pickup within two weeks.
How do I access Ontario Superior Court of Justice judgments in PDF format?
Visit the Superior Court judgments archive. Use the search bar to type the case name or docket number. Select the desired judgment from the list. Click the PDF icon to open or save the file. The archive stores decisions for at least ten years, so most recent rulings are instantly reachable.
Can I check the status of an Ontario small claims court decision?
Go to the small claims case lookup tool. Input the claim number and the parties’ surnames. Press the check button. The screen displays whether the case is scheduled, decided, or pending appeal. If a hearing date appears, note the time and location. The tool refreshes hourly, keeping you informed.
Who should I contact for Ontario court transcript availability and fees?
Find the clerk of the court where the hearing occurred. Their contact page lists phone numbers and an email address. Ask about transcript ordering, specify the date and case number, and request a cost estimate. Most courts charge per page, and payment can be made online. After payment, the transcript is mailed within five business days.