"Service" — formally giving the other party the documents — is one of those procedural steps that's easy to get wrong, and getting it wrong can delay your case. The rules depend on the document and your situation, so this is a plain-language overview to orient you, not legal advice. Always check the Family Law Rules and any directions from your court.
Why service matters
Service makes sure the other person actually receives the documents and has a fair chance to respond. Because fairness depends on it, courts care that service is done properly — and that you can prove it was done.
Regular vs. special service
Many documents can be served by 'regular service' (for example, by mail, courier, email, or another permitted method to the party or their lawyer). Some important documents — often the ones that start a case — require 'special service,' such as handing them to the person directly. Which applies depends on the document, so check the rules for the specific one you're serving.
Who can serve
In many situations someone other than you (often anyone who isn't a party, or a professional process server) handles special service. Knowing who is allowed to serve a particular document — and how — avoids having to redo it.
Prove it: the affidavit of service
After serving, you typically prepare an affidavit of service (commonly Form 6B) — a sworn statement of how, when, and on whom the documents were served. File it so the court has proof. Keep your own copy organized with the rest of your documents.
Mind the timelines
Service usually has deadlines — documents may need to be served (and proof filed) a certain number of days before a step. Missing these can push your case back, so track them carefully.
How SteadCase helps
SteadCase helps you keep the logistics straight: record service dates and deadlines in Court Dates & Deadlines, and keep your filed documents and proof of service organized in one place. For where service fits overall, see the family court process.
This is general educational information for Ontario, not legal advice. Court rules and your situation matter — consider speaking with a lawyer, paralegal, or your local Family Law Information Centre.