An affidavit of service is a sworn or affirmed statement describing how documents were served. In Canada, the required proof varies by province, court, document and proceeding; some procedures use a certificate or another form instead. This guide explains the general idea, not what form your case must use.
What it records
A service affidavit commonly records who served the documents, who received them, when and where service occurred, and how it was carried out. The applicable form may ask for further details or supporting material. The person who actually served the papers generally completes the proof, then swears or affirms it before a person authorized to take affidavits if that proceeding requires sworn proof. Follow the current court form and its instructions.
Forms are jurisdiction-specific
The name “affidavit of service” does not identify one national form. Ontario examples include Form 16B for civil proceedings, Form 8A for Small Claims Court and Form 6B for Family Court. British Columbia Supreme Court civil proceedings use forms such as Form 15 or Form 16 in specified circumstances, while its Small Claims Rules provide a Certificate of Service. Alberta Court of Justice civil claims use different affidavits depending on the document. These are examples only, not interchangeable forms.
Check the court’s current forms and service guidance: Ontario civil court forms, Ontario Small Claims forms, Ontario Family Law Rules forms, BC Supreme Court Civil Rules, and Alberta Court of Justice service guidance.
After the affidavit is completed
A completed document may need to be filed, served on another party, or kept for a later court step. The deadline and filing method vary. Check the court’s direction for your specific proceeding and ensure the form is complete before relying on it. A process server can document the work and complete the requested proof for the assignment, but cannot guarantee that a court accepts it or advise on filing strategy.
If you need to arrange service and obtain the job’s completed proof, process server Canada. Canadian Process Server provides a service record and affidavit workflow where supported for the order.
General information, not legal advice
Do not use a general article to select a form or deadline. Confirm the required proof with the court or a lawyer or paralegal, especially if an order or a special recipient is involved.
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