What is the deadline for ontario statement of defence?
An Ontario Superior Court statement of defence is normally due 20 days after service in Ontario, 40 days elsewhere in Canada or the United States, and 60 days elsewhere. A timely notice of intent to defend can add time.
Calculate your deadline
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Worked example
- Example input
- 03/08/2026
- Expected result
- Monday 24 August 2026
The defendant was served in Ontario on Monday 3 August 2026.
The 20-day period nominally ends on Sunday 23 August. Ontario rule 3.01 carries the endpoint to the next day the court office is open.
How this deadline is counted
- Period
- 20, 40 or 60 days by place of service
- Trigger
- Effective service of the statement of claim
- Direction
- Forward from service
- Counting method
- Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure time calculation in the current Canada calculator
Use the effective service date and check court order, consent, notice of intent to defend and any default status.
Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure. Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure, rules 3.01, 3.02, 18.01 and 18.02. Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure checked 07/08/2026
Exceptions and case facts
- The period is determined by place of service, not merely a service method.
- This page is for the original statement of defence route, not a counterclaim or a late defence after default.
Deadline Engine is calculation software, not legal advice. Check the current rule, any order and the facts before adding a date to your calendar.