Service by Publication in Ontario: Rules, Requirements & Cost Breakdown (2026 Guide)

When a respondent cannot be found despite reasonable efforts, service by publication Ontario becomes a critical legal tool for moving a case forward. Courts understand that some individuals relocate without leaving an address, avoid service intentionally, or simply cannot be located. In these situations, the Rules of Civil Procedure and Family Law Rules allow litigants to request permission for service by publication Ontario, ensuring legal proceedings are not indefinitely stalled.

Select Serve and File Process Server Inc. supports lawyers, paralegals, landlords, and individuals in completing attempts at service, preparing affidavits for alternative service, conducting skip tracing, and coordinating service by publication Ontario in newspapers and approved digital publications. Our team provides documented attempts, skip trace reports, and court-ready materials to support such motions.

This guide explains how service by publication Ontario works, when the court allows it, what it costs, and what you must do before the court will grant approval.

What Is Service by Publication in Ontario?

Service by publication Ontario is a court-approved method for notifying a respondent when:

• Their location is unknown
• They cannot be located despite attempts
• Skip tracing confirms no updated address
• Emails/phone numbers are inactive
• Personal service is impossible

Instead of delivering documents directly, the court allows notice to be published in:

• A newspaper (local or national)
• A legal journal
• An online publication
• Another medium specified by the judge

This publication counts as legal service once completed according to the court’s order.

When Courts Allow Service by Publication Ontario

Courts treat service by publication Ontario as a last resort. To qualify, you must demonstrate that all reasonable attempts have been made to locate the respondent.

Courts require proof of:

1. Multiple attempts at the last known address
2. Evidence of occupancy or non-occupancy
3. Skip tracing attempts
4. Phone/email attempts
5. Contact with relatives (if appropriate and lawful)
6. Digital searches and social media checks
7. Affidavit from a process server documenting all attempts

Select Serve and File provides detailed attempt logs, skip tracing reports, and affidavits that support motions for service by publication Ontario.

What Documents Can Be Served by Publication?

Common examples include:

• Divorce applications
• Family Court documents
• Civil claims
• Motions
• Applications for judgment
• Estate matters involving missing beneficiaries
• Guardianship matters
• Support enforcement proceedings

Landlord-Tenant Board matters rarely use publication, as alternative methods are usually available.

Steps to Request Service by Publication Ontario

Below is the step-by-step process required by Ontario courts.

Step 1: Make Reasonable Service Attempts

Courts require proof of diligence before allowing service by publication Ontario.

A process server should attempt:

• Morning, evening, weekend attempts
• Workplace attempts (if known)
• Alternate addresses
• Neighbourhood inquiries (lawful)
• Attempts at related addresses (if appropriate)

Detailed logs are essential.

Step 2: Conduct Skip Tracing

Courts expect parties to use industry-accepted methods to locate the respondent.

Skip tracing includes:

• Address history searches
• Social media scans
• Phone/email searches
• Property registry checks
• Corporate records
• Occupancy verification

If skip tracing confirms no valid location, the court may consider service by publication Ontario.

Step 3: Prepare an Affidavit Supporting Your Motion

This affidavit must include:

• All attempts at service
• Skip tracing results
• Evidence supporting non-contact
• Why publication is necessary
• The proposed publication outlet

Select Serve and File assists with preparing comprehensive affidavits and commissioning them.

Step 4: Bring a Motion to the Court

A motion for substituted service or alternative service must be filed, including:

• Notice of Motion
• Supporting affidavit
• Draft order
• Proposed publication notice
• Filing fees

The judge reviews your evidence and determines whether you may use service by publication Ontario.

Step 5: Publish as Ordered

If approved, publication must follow the exact requirements in the court order.

The order may specify:

• Newspaper name
• Geographic region
• Number of publications
• Minimum size of notice
• Online or print format
• Deadlines for publication
• Deadline for filing proof of publication

Failure to follow instructions can invalidate the service.

Step 6: File Proof of Publication

After your publication runs, you must file:

• A copy of the publication
• An affidavit confirming compliance
• The invoice or receipt
• Any additional proof required by the judge

Select Serve, and File can file this on your behalf at Ontario courthouses.

Cost Breakdown for Service by Publication Ontario

Costs vary depending on the publication selected and the court’s requirements.

Below are typical Ontario price ranges:

1. Local Newspaper Publication

Cost: $150–$350 per notice
Often used for small-town matters or last-known regions.

2. Regional Newspaper (GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton)

Cost: $300–$650 per notice

3. National Newspaper (Globe & Mail, Toronto Star)

Cost: $600–$1,400 per notice

4. Online Legal Publication

Cost: $150–$450
Approved only if the court specifies.

5. Professional Service Fees for Preparation

• Skip tracing: $45–$90
• Attempt logs and affidavits: $40–$85
• Court filing: $40–$65 + court fees
• Draft motion materials (if required): varies

Select Serve and File provides these services at competitive rates, with no hidden fees or extra charges.

Advantages of Service by Publication Ontario

• Allows the case to move forward
• Stops respondents from delaying proceedings
• Court-approved and legally binding
• Useful when the location is unknown
• Accepted across Civil and Family Courts

It is particularly valuable in:

• Divorce cases where the spouse disappeared
• Debt collection matters
• Estate files with missing beneficiaries
• Parenting cases with absent respondents
• Applications requiring notice to unknown individuals

Limitations of Service by Publication Ontario

Despite its usefulness, publication has limitations:

• Respondent may never actually see the notice
• Courts require high proof of diligence
• Costs can add up
• In some cases, judges prefer email or social media service first
• Not available for all document types

However, when standard service is impossible, service by publication Ontario remains a powerful option.

Real Example: Missing Respondent in a Divorce Case

A client needed to serve a divorce application. The spouse had:

• Moved several times
• Deleted social media profiles
• No recent employment information
• Family unwilling to provide address

Select Serve and File:

1. Conducted skip tracing
2. Documented all failed attempts
3. Prepared affidavit for substituted service
4. Assisted in obtaining a court order
5. Arranged publication in the respondent’s last-known region
6. Filed proof of publication

The court accepted the service, allowing the case to proceed.

Why Work With Professionals for Service by Publication Ontario?

A professional ensures:

• Proper attempt documentation
• Legally compliant skip tracing
• Strong supporting affidavits
• Court-accepted motion materials
• Correct publication format
• Timely filing of proof
• Reduced risk of rejection

Select Serve and File provides complete support for service by publication Ontario, ensuring cases move forward efficiently.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or licensed paralegal for case-specific guidance.

Let Us Help You!

If you need help preparing motion materials, skip tracing, affidavits, or arranging service by publication Ontario, Select Serve and File Process Server Inc. is ready to assist with fast, accurate, and compliant service. Contact us today.

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