Form 18A: Summons to Witness
Compels a witness to attend trial and bring documents — served personally, with attendance money, well before the trial date.
What the 18A is
Form 18A compels a reluctant but important witness — the building inspector, the former employee, the neighbour who saw it happen — to attend trial and bring specified documents. Once properly served, a witness who fails to attend can face a warrant (Form 18B) if their evidence was material.
It must be served personally on the witness a reasonable time before trial, together with the attendance money (a modest daily fee plus travel allowance set by regulation). A summons is also the professional way to help a willing witness get time off work — employers respect a summons.
How to fill it out
- Name the witness and describe exactly what documents they must bring — “all inspection notes and photographs for 123 Main St. dated between…” beats “relevant records.”
- Get it issued by the court office (the clerk signs and seals it).
- Serve it personally on the witness, with attendance money for one day, comfortably before trial — last-minute summonses invite adjournments.
- File proof of service (Form 8A) so enforcement is possible if the witness no-shows.
- At trial, have extra copies and be ready to explain to the judge why the witness’s evidence is material if attendance becomes an issue.
Get the official form
Downloads come directly from the Ontario Court Forms site, so you always get the current version.
Download a Form 18A (PDF) Fillable Word versionNot sure the 18A is the right form — or want it done right the first time?
Book a Free ConsultationThis page is general information, not legal advice, and form requirements change — always confirm you have the current version and the right deadlines for your situation. Forms are published under the Rules of the Small Claims Court.
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