Ontario Civil Law: Rule Changes at the Superior Court in 2025

In June 2025, Ontario introduced several important changes to its Rules of Civil Procedure — the legal framework that governs civil cases in the Superior Court of Justice. These updates, set out in Ontario Regulation 50/25, are part of a broader effort to modernize how lawsuits are handled in the province and improve access to justice.

One key area of change affects settlements involving people under disability, including minors or individuals with reduced capacity. In these cases, courts have always had to approve settlements to make sure they’re fair. But under the new rules, the requirements for what must be filed have become stricter. More detailed affidavits, medical evidence, and clearer explanations must now be provided before a judge will approve a settlement. The idea is to better protect vulnerable parties and ensure their interests are truly being served.

Another change deals with partial settlements in lawsuits involving more than one party. Previously, if one party settled with another, the remaining parties might not be told right away — or at all. Now, any party entering into a partial settlement must notify everyone else and file a specific court form confirming the settlement happened. This doesn’t mean the dollar amount must be disclosed, but the fact of the settlement can’t be kept quiet. These new requirements are meant to reduce confusion and avoid unfairness, especially in trials involving juries or where strategic timing of settlements can influence the outcome.

The new regulation also provides more clarity on how offers to settle — commonly referred to as Rule 49 offers — are to be made and managed. These offers play an important role in litigation because they can influence who pays legal costs after a trial. The updates help define how such offers should be worded, when they can be withdrawn, and what makes them valid. By making these rules clearer, the courts hope to reduce disputes about settlement offers and encourage parties to resolve their cases earlier and more efficiently.

Some smaller but important technical changes were also introduced to filing procedures, particularly around settlement approval motions and related timelines. These updates continue Ontario’s push toward a more digitized, standardized civil court system.

Although these updates may seem procedural, they reflect a broader shift in Ontario’s legal system — one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and fairness. For lawyers, they will change how litigation is managed. For self-represented litigants, the updates may bring both new requirements and added protections. For everyone involved, these reforms are a reminder that access to justice often begins with the rules that guide how cases are heard.