Understanding the "Request to Change Attendance Method" Form for the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
If you are involved in a legal proceeding before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, you may find yourself needing to request a change in how you or others attend a scheduled hearing. The official form for this purpose is the Request to Change Attendance Method (Form SCR 1.07-1B). This article explains the purpose of the form, who should use it, and how to complete and submit it properly.
What is the "Request to Change Attendance Method" Form?
This form is an official document used to ask the court for permission to attend a scheduled hearing via a different method than originally planned. Typically, hearings are conducted in person, but circumstances such as health concerns, travel restrictions, or personal preferences may necessitate attending by video or telephone conference. The form ensures that the court formally considers and records such requests, maintaining procedural fairness and clarity.
Who Should Use This Form?
The form is intended for parties involved in a case before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, including plaintiffs, defendants, their representatives, or witnesses. If you wish to attend a hearing differently—say, by video instead of in person—you or your representative should complete and submit this form. It is also used when requesting permission for others involved in the case to attend via alternative methods.
Key Sections of the Form and How to Fill Them
Parties and Hearing Details
- Claim Number: Enter the case or claim number assigned by the court.
- Hearing Type and Date: Specify the nature of the hearing (trial, motion, settlement conference, etc.) and the scheduled date.
- Your Details: Provide your full name and indicate whether you are the plaintiff, defendant, or a representative.
Requesting Attendance Method Changes
Check the box(es) corresponding to your request:
- To attend the hearing yourself in person, via video conference, or by telephone (if applicable).
- To request permission for others (e.g., witnesses or representatives) to attend via different methods.
If requesting for multiple persons, include an additional page with their details.
Consent and Explanation
There is a section to indicate whether all parties have consented to this request. You must also provide a brief explanation of why this change is necessary or appropriate. This explanation can include health reasons, logistical issues, or other relevant circumstances.
Important Procedures and Deadlines
Service and Filing
Once completed, you must serve the form on all other parties involved in the case. Service should be done at least 30 days before the scheduled hearing date to allow sufficient time for review and response.
After service, the form must be filed with the court. Filing can typically be done in person or through the court's digital filing system, depending on local procedures.
Fill in your form directly online
No printing: type your details into the boxes of the official form, tick, then download the PDF ready to send.
- 1Type into the form boxes
- 2Tick in one click
- 3Save and download the PDF
Opposition and Court Decision
Other parties have seven days from receiving the request to file an objection using the Form 1C (Objection to Request to Change Attendance Method). The court will review all submissions and decide whether to approve, deny, or modify the request. The judge's decision will be formally recorded in the disposition section of the form.
After the Court's Decision
If approved, the court will issue an order confirming the attendance method for the hearing. It is essential to follow any instructions provided in the order, including technical requirements for video or telephone attendance. If the request is denied, parties must attend the hearing in the originally scheduled manner unless other arrangements are made.
Summary
The "Request to Change Attendance Method" form is a vital tool for ensuring flexible participation in court hearings while respecting procedural rules. Proper completion, timely service, and adherence to deadlines are essential for your request to be considered seriously. Always check the latest court guidelines and forms available on the official Ontario Superior Court of Justice website to ensure compliance with current procedures.