Responding to a Court Summons in Canada

Sara Santos-Vigneault
Sep 22
3 min read

Written by: Sara Santos-Vigneault

Date: September 22, 2025

Empty leather chairs in an elegant courtroom with wooden desks and microphones, soft light through windows, formal and quiet setting. — Photo by Héctor Berganza

Understanding Court-Related Documents in Ontario

When you receive a legal notice requiring you to attend court, it may come in different forms: a summons, a witness subpoena, an appearance notice, or a bench warrant. Each carries legal obligations and potential consequences. Ignoring them can result in criminal charges, arrest, or fines. This article explains what to do in Ontario and provides official resources for all provinces and territories in Canada.

These legal documents are not optional. They are binding instructions issued by a court or law enforcement authority. Whether you are being called as an accused person, a witness, or a party to a civil case, your response must be timely and appropriate. Understanding the purpose and legal weight of each notice is the first step in protecting your rights and avoiding further complications.

1. Types of Court Documents and What to Do

Court Summons

A summons is a court-issued order to appear on a specific date. It can relate to criminal charges, provincial offences, or civil matters. Ignoring a summons may lead to a bench warrant.

Official info: https://www.ontario.ca/page/courts-and-court-services

Witness Summons or Subpoena

If you receive a witness summons, you are legally required to attend court and possibly provide documents. Failure to appear can lead to a witness warrant.

Tribunal-specific info: https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/oset/Practice%20Directions%20-%20Issuing%20a%20Summons.html

Appearance Notice

Issued by police, an appearance notice compels you to attend court for further proceedings. Not attending is a criminal offence under section 145 of the Criminal Code.

Bench Warrant

If you fail to appear in court as ordered, a bench warrant may be issued. Police can arrest you without notice. You may ask a lawyer to help quash the warrant or arrange a voluntary surrender.

More information: https://stepstojustice.ca/steps/criminal-law/2-try-get-warrant-cancelled

2. What You Should Do (Step-by-Step)

Step	Action
1	Read the notice carefully and confirm the date, time, and reason.
2	Do not ignore it. Legal consequences may follow.
3	Seek legal help. Contact Legal Aid Ontario or a criminal lawyer.
4	Prepare any documents or identification needed.
5	Attend court on time, dressed appropriately, whether in person or virtually.

Remote attendance guidance: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/

Case search tool: https://www.ontario.ca/page/search-court-cases-online

3. Resources for All Canadian Provinces and Territories

Province/Territory	Court Attendance Resource
Ontario	https://www.ontario.ca/page/courts-and-court-services
Quebec	https://justice.gouv.qc.ca/
British Columbia	https://www.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/how-works/court-hearings/preparing-for-court
Alberta	https://albertacourts.ca/cj/resources/going-to-court
Manitoba	https://www.manitobacourts.mb.ca/
Saskatchewan	https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/courts
Nova Scotia	https://www.courts.ns.ca/
New Brunswick	https://www.courtsnb-coursnb.ca/
Prince Edward Island	https://www.courts.pe.ca/
Newfoundland & Labrador	https://www.court.nl.ca/provincial/
Yukon	https://yukoncourts.ca/
Northwest Territories	https://nwtcourts.ca/
Nunavut	https://www.nunavutcourts.ca/

These websites provide province-specific instructions on responding to court documents, attending court, and finding legal support.

Gavel on wooden desk with judge writing on documents. Background blurred. Warm tones, formal setting, focused and serious atmosphere. — Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

Final Thoughts

Receiving a summons, subpoena, appearance notice, or bench warrant is a serious legal matter. These documents require you to appear in court, provide testimony, or respond to charges. Failing to attend or respond correctly can result in arrest, additional charges, or fines. Whether you are in Ontario or another province, it is important to act promptly, understand what is expected of you, and seek legal support when needed.

If you are uncertain about what to do next, use the official provincial or territorial resources listed above and consult a lawyer or legal clinic. Many court systems offer remote appearance options, legal aid, and public information services. Taking early and informed action can help you resolve your matter fairly, avoid legal consequences, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.