Note to Readers
This Handbook is intended as a reference for self-represented civil litigants appearing in Canadian courts. While this Handbook cannot anticipate all of the possible situations that may arise, it provides a starting point that will assist and guide litigants.
This handbook does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide. The handbook provides general information only.
Certain laws and court procedures are different in each province and territory. Information in this handbook may not be applicable to your situation.
Language
Throughout this document, the term “self-represented” is used to describe persons who appear in court without representation from a lawyer. The use of this term is not meant to suggest or imply the reasons an individual is without representation, or comment on the wisdom of self-representation.
This handbook tries to describe legal processes in plain language, but we provided definitions for words that are not normally used outside of the legal context in Section 12: Glossary.
Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks have been added where referenced material is available online. Clicking or pressing “Ctrl” while clicking on a link in the Handbook will open the target document in your default web browser.