A new online portal launched in Toronto aims to simplify access to Ontario’s court system, but some lawyers are encountering delays and challenges in managing their cases. The Ontario Courts Public Portal allows for filing documents, paying fees, and finding court hearing links for various non-criminal matters.
While the system is set to expand to include criminal cases in the future, some lawyers find it difficult to navigate, causing delays that impact the legal process and public trust in the courts. Tasks that used to take days now take weeks, leading to disruptions in timelines and creating concerns about meeting legal deadlines.
The new portal also lacks synchronization with the Superior Court of Justice’s document-sharing platform, making it challenging for lawyers to access necessary information. Searching for cases using party names is no longer efficient, requiring lawyers to visit a courthouse to obtain file numbers.
Lawyers have reported instances of delayed scheduling and issuance of claims through the portal, raising worries about missing crucial deadlines. The uncertainty and inefficiencies in the system have forced lawyers to adjust their practices and manage client expectations in light of these challenges.
Despite the issues, the portal has garnered over 25,000 registrations and 73,000 submissions since its launch. The Attorney General’s office is working to gather feedback and improve the system continuously. The Ontario Bar Association has acknowledged some growing pains but overall sees the portal as a positive transformation in the justice sector.
Keyphrase: Ontario court portal