Library

Glossary

Affidavit

A written statement of facts that you swear or affirm is true, in front of a commissioner or notary. Often used as evidence in court and tribunal matters.

Affirmation

A solemn promise to tell the truth that does not refer to God. It has the same legal effect as an oath.

Apostille

A certificate that confirms the signature and seal on a document so it can be used in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. In Ontario, it is issued by Official Documents Services.

Certified true copy

A copy of an original document that a notary has compared with the original and certified as a true copy.

Commissioner for taking affidavits

A person authorized to administer oaths and affirmations and to take affidavits and statutory declarations. Every licensed lawyer and paralegal in Ontario is a commissioner.

Default judgment

A decision made against a defendant who did not file a Defence in time.

Defence

The court form a defendant files to respond to a Plaintiff's Claim in Small Claims Court (Form 9A).

Limitation period

The deadline to start a legal claim. In Ontario, the basic limitation period is generally two years from when the claim was discovered.

Notary public

A person appointed by the province who can certify true copies, witness and certify signatures, and do everything a commissioner can.

Plaintiff and defendant

The plaintiff is the person or business making a claim. The defendant is the person or business being sued.

Plaintiff's Claim

The court form that starts a Small Claims Court case (Form 7A).

Retainer agreement

The written agreement that sets out the work we will do for you and our fees. A paralegal-client relationship begins when it is signed.

Settlement conference

A meeting with a judge before trial where the parties try to settle the case or narrow the issues.

Statutory declaration

A written statement that you solemnly declare to be true, often used outside of court, for example to confirm a lost document or a change of name.

Official resources

• Notaries public in Ontario

  Government of Ontario: what notaries and commissioners can do.

• Authenticate a document for use outside Canada

  Government of Ontario: apostilles and authentication.

• Being sued in Small Claims Court

  Government of Ontario: deadlines, fees and next steps.

• File Small Claims documents online

  Government of Ontario: the online filing portal.

• Ontario Court Forms

  Official Small Claims Court forms.

• Law Society of Ontario directory

  Check that a lawyer or paralegal is licensed.

Articles and resources in our library are general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, start a request or call (437) 230-4832.