Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: Ontario

What is a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card?

Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is a short court form used in Ontario criminal appeals. It confirms that a named person or office received specific court documents on a given date. You send it with your materials. The recipient signs and dates it, then returns it to you. You then file it as proof of service.

This form is a practical way to confirm delivery when you serve documents by mail, courier, or institutional channels. It is simple, but important. Appeal deadlines often turn on the date of service. A signed Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card gives the court clear evidence of when delivery happened, who received the materials, and what was sent.

Who typically uses this form?

Appellants, respondents, defence counsel, Crown counsel, court reporters, and sometimes the court’s Registrar. If you are a self‑represented appellant, you may rely on Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card to prove that the other side received your notice, factum, or books. If you are counsel, you may use it for the same reason, especially when using mail or courier rather than personal service or e‑service.

Why would you need this form?

You need a reliable record of service that the court will accept. Tracking numbers and delivery screens help, but they do not show who received which documents. Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card does. It is a formal acknowledgment signed by the recipient. It ties the delivery to a specific case and document list. It removes doubt about service, which protects your appeal timelines.

Typical usage scenarios

You mail your notice of appeal to Crown Law Office – Criminal. You include a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card and a stamped return envelope. A staff member signs and returns the card. You file the signed card. Or you serve your factum and appeal book on defence counsel for a respondent. You include a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card so you can later prove service. The counsel signs and returns it. You file it with the court. Another scenario involves court reporters. A reporter sends certified transcripts to the parties. They include a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card to confirm the date the parties received the transcripts. The returned card helps the court manage scheduling and readiness. The Registrar may also send materials to a correctional institution with a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card, so the inmate’s receipt is confirmed by an officer’s acknowledgment.

In short, Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is the court’s standard postcard-size receipt for criminal appeal filings. It is widely used because it is clear, quick, and recognized by the court as reliable proof of service.

When Would You Use a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card?

You use Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card when you need proof that another party received appeal materials, and you are not doing personal service. If you are serving by mail, courier, or through an institution, include the card. If you are serving by email and have a signed acceptance, you may not need it, but it still adds certainty. The card is especially helpful when serving offices with mailrooms. In those cases, the card shows that a named person in that office took delivery on a specific date.

If you are an appellant, you use Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card when serving your notice of appeal, transcript request, or later your factum and appeal book. If you are a respondent, you use it when serving a respondent’s factum and compendium, or motion materials. If you are moving for procedural relief, you use it when serving your notice of motion and supporting record. If you are a court reporter, you use it when sending transcripts to parties after completion. The card shows when transcripts were received, which affects deadlines for filing factums and books. If you are an inmate appealing from custody, your materials may pass through the institution. A Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card helps confirm that institutional staff delivered documents to the right recipient and on time.

You also use Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card when the rules allow or expect proof of service for specific steps. Many steps in a criminal appeal require service on the other side. The card provides simple, recognized evidence of that service. Use it when you want the clearest record, when service timing matters, and when you want to avoid later arguments about whether delivery occurred.

There are times you might not use the card. If you do personal service and swear an affidavit of service, that affidavit may be enough. If you use recognized e‑service and have a written acknowledgment from the recipient, that may suffice. But even then, Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is a low‑effort backup that prevents disputes. It is good practice to include it whenever you send important appeal materials by mail or courier.

Legal Characteristics of the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card

Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is a procedural acknowledgment, not a contract. It is not “binding” in the sense of creating obligations beyond confirming receipt. Its legal value lies in evidentiary weight. When the recipient signs it, the card is strong proof that service occurred, what was served, and when it was received. Courts accept it as reliable because it is a prescribed form, used in a uniform way, and tied to the court file.

What ensures enforceability of your service is compliance with the service rules for the step you are taking. Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card helps you prove that compliance. If a rule requires service on a respondent, your filed, signed card shows the court that you met that requirement. If timelines run from service, the date on the card anchors those timelines. If a dispute arises about whether a party received your materials, the card resolves it. It is a contemporaneous admission by the recipient. It identifies the case, documents, and date. That makes it better proof than a generic courier receipt.

Legal considerations include accuracy, completeness, and chain of custody. The caption must match your court file. The file number must be correct. The document list must be specific. The recipient’s signature must be legible, and the date of receipt must be clear. If the card is incomplete or inconsistent, its value drops. You should also keep a copy of the card you sent and the envelope used to return it. If the recipient does not return the card, you must have another way to prove service. That could be an affidavit of service with courier tracking and delivery confirmation. The card supplements, and sometimes replaces, those other proofs.

You should also consider service requirements for specific documents. Some documents can be served by mail or courier. Others may require personal service or directions from the court. Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card does not change those rules. It only proves service that is permitted by the rules. It also does not extend timelines. If you mail materials, consider mailing early. The card shows the actual date of receipt, which may be later than your mailing date.

Another consideration is who may sign the card for an office or institution. For the Crown or other government offices, a staff member may sign. For law firms, a receptionist may sign. For correctional facilities, an authorized officer may sign when delivering to an inmate. The key is that the signer confirms receipt for that office. The court accepts such signatures if they are consistent with regular delivery practices. If service on a named counsel is required, address the package to that counsel and ensure the card reflects that name in the “To” field, even if a staff member signs.

Lastly, remember that the form’s role is evidentiary. It helps the Registrar manage the appeal and confirm that parties have the materials they need. It supports procedural fairness. It reduces motion practice over service disputes. Using it properly streamlines your appeal.

How to Fill Out a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card

Follow these steps to complete and use Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card. Keep your entries clear, short, and typed if possible.

1) Set up the court caption.

• At the top, write: Court of Appeal for Ontario.
• Enter the Court File No. exactly as assigned by the court.
• Set out the style of cause. Use “R. v. [Accused’s Surname]” unless the court directed a different style.

2) Identify the parties and roles.

• On the sender line, list your name, role, and contact details. For example: “Sender: [Your Name], Appellant, [Address, Phone, Email].”
• This tells the recipient and the court who sent the documents.

3) Address the recipient clearly.

• In the “To” line, name the person or office you are serving. Include title and organization. For example: “To: [Counsel Name], Counsel for the Respondent,” or “To: Crown Law Office – Criminal,” or “To: [Court Reporter Name], Court Reporter.”
• Add the full mailing address used for service.

4) Describe the documents served.

• Use a short, specific list. Do not be vague.
• Examples:
• “Notice of Appeal dated [date].”
• “Appellant’s Factum dated [date], 30 pages.”
• “Appeal Book and Compendium, Volume 1 of 1.”
• “Motion Record re: extension of time, returnable [date].”
• “Certified Transcripts: [proceeding dates].”
• If you include multiple items, number them.

5) State the method and date of delivery.

• Write how you sent the package: mail, courier, or institutional delivery.
• Add the date you sent it. For example: “Delivered by courier on [date].”
• If you have a tracking number, you can note it on your file copy. Do not clutter the card.

6) Insert the acknowledgment wording.

• Include a simple statement above the signature line, such as: “I acknowledge receipt of the documents listed above on the date shown below.”
• This makes the signer’s acknowledgment clear and unambiguous.

7) Set up the recipient signature block.

• Provide space for:
• Signature of recipient or authorized person.
• Printed name and title.
• Organization.
• Date of receipt (day, month, year).
• Leave enough room for legible entries.

8) Add return instructions and your return address.

• Tell the recipient how to return the card. For example: “Please sign, date, and return this card to the sender in the enclosed envelope.”
• Include a pre‑addressed, stamped return envelope. If email return is permitted, note: “You may scan and email the signed card to [email].” Only give an email if you monitor it.

9) Prepare and enclose the card with your package.

• Make a photocopy or PDF of the completed, unsigned card for your records.
• Place the original card on top of the documents to draw attention.
• Include the return envelope immediately behind the card.

10) Send the package and track delivery.

• Use reliable mail or courier. Keep your receipt.
• Note the date you sent the package in your calendar. Leave room to add the receipt date once the card is returned.

11) Follow up if the card does not return promptly.

• If you do not receive the signed card within a reasonable time, contact the recipient’s office. Ask if the package arrived and request return of the signed card.
• If the card is lost or refused, prepare an affidavit of service with your courier or mail proof. File that instead.

12) File the signed card with the court as proof of service.

• When you receive the signed Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card, check it. Confirm the case name, file number, document list, signature, and receipt date are all complete and legible.
• File the original signed card. Keep a copy for your file.
• Update your deadlines based on the receipt date shown on the card.

Content tips for each section:

• Parties. Make sure your role and the recipient’s role are accurate. If you serve a law office, name the office and the lawyer, if required. If you serve the Crown, use the official office name. If you serve a court reporter, include the reporter’s name and transcript order number if you have one.

• Clauses. Keep the acknowledgment clause plain and direct. Avoid legalese. The point is that the signer confirms receipt of the listed documents on a specific date. One short sentence is enough.

• Signatures. The recipient or an authorized staff member should sign. A printed name and title help identify the signer. The date of receipt should be filled in by the signer, not you. Do not pre‑fill the date of receipt.

• Schedules. If your document list is long, you may refer to “Schedule A” and attach a one‑page list of documents as a schedule to the card. Mark the card: “Documents received are listed in Schedule A attached.” Number each item in the schedule and include page counts or volume numbers. Attach the schedule firmly so it is not separated in transit.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Wrong file number or style of cause. Always check the caption against your latest filed document.
• Vague document descriptions. “Court materials” is not enough. List each document by name and date.
• Missing return method. Always include a return envelope or clear scan‑and‑email instructions.
• Illegible or incomplete signature block. If the returned card is unclear, ask the office to provide a clean copy or a confirming email.
• Relying only on the mailing date. Your deadlines often run from the date of receipt, not mailing. Use the signed card date.

Practical examples:

• Serving a notice of appeal. You mail the notice to the Crown and the court reporter. You include a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card in each package. Each office signs, dates, and returns the card. You file both signed cards to prove service.

• Serving a respondent’s factum. You courier your factum and compendium to defence counsel. You include a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card. Their clerk signs and dates the card on the delivery day. You file the card. Your response timeline is then clear.

• Transcripts delivery. The court reporter ships transcripts to both parties. A Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is enclosed for each party. Once returned, the cards show the exact date both sides received transcripts, which keeps scheduling on track.

• Institutional delivery. You send materials to an inmate through the correctional facility. You include a Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card addressed to the officer in charge. The officer signs the card upon delivery to the inmate and returns it. You now have reliable proof of receipt within the institution.

Filing and retention:

• File the signed Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card promptly after receipt. If the court requires proof of service before a hearing, file it as soon as you have it.
• Keep a copy in your file. Retain all proof of service for the life of the appeal and any related motions.

What if the recipient refuses to sign?

• Document your follow‑up and keep your courier proof. Prepare an affidavit of service with attachments showing delivery. Explain the refusal or non‑return in the affidavit. The court can accept alternate proof if the recipient will not cooperate. Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is preferred, but not the only route.

Final check before you send:

• Do the caption and file number match your latest documents?
• Is the recipient’s name and address correct?
• Is the document list complete and specific?
• Did you include the return envelope or scan instructions?
• Did you keep a copy of the unsigned card for your records?

If you follow these steps, Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card will do its job. It will give you clear, court‑ready proof that the right person received the right documents on the right date. That keeps your appeal moving and reduces the risk of service disputes.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Appellant. This is the person or Crown appealing the decision. If you are the appellant, you send documents for the appeal. You then ask the other side to sign and return the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card to confirm service.

Respondent. This is the person or Crown responding to the appeal. If you are the respondent, you may receive appeal materials. You sign and return the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card to confirm you received the listed documents.

Counsel of record. This is the lawyer on the court record for a party. If you have counsel, service usually goes to your counsel. Your counsel will sign and return the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card, not you.

Service. Service means delivering documents to the other party. It must follow the rules. The Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card is a simple way to prove service happened.

Proof of service. Proof of service is evidence that you served documents. The Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card can be filed as proof. An affidavit of service is another method when no signed card is available.

Court file number. This number identifies your case. It must appear on all documents. Make sure it is correct on the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card.

Method of service. This is how the documents were delivered. Common methods include email, mail, courier, or personal delivery. The Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card should reflect how you received the documents.

Registry or court office. This is where you file court documents. The serving party may file the signed Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card there as proof of service. The registry will place it on the court file.

Acknowledgment. This is your confirmation that you received documents. On the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card, your signature is the acknowledgment. It confirms only receipt, not agreement with the contents.

Self-represented party. This is a person without a lawyer. If you are self-represented, you handle service and acknowledgments yourself. You must send or return the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card as required.

FAQs

Do you have to sign the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card if you got the documents by email?

Yes, if you received the documents listed. The method of service does not change the need to confirm receipt. Sign and return the card. Use a return method the sender accepts. Keep a copy for your records.

Do you send the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card back to the court?

Usually, no. Send it back to the person who served you. They file it with the court as proof of service. If you send it to the court, it may not reach the right file. Ask the sender if unsure.

Do you need to sign the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card if the list is wrong?

No. Do not confirm what you did not receive. Contact the sender. Ask for a corrected card that lists the actual documents. Sign and return only when the list matches what you got.

Do you need to return the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card by a deadline?

Return it promptly. Your timelines may run from the date you were served. Delays can create disputes about timing. Send it back as soon as you confirm the contents and your details.

Do you need to sign if you are the lawyer for the party?

Yes. Counsel of record signs when service is on counsel. Ensure your firm name, address, and email are current. Confirm the case number and party details before signing.

Do you need to keep a copy of the signed Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card?

Yes. Keep a copy of what you signed and returned. Save the email or courier receipt if used. Keep it with your appeal documents. It helps you confirm service if questions arise later.

Do you sign the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card if you only received some documents?

Sign only if the card accurately lists what you received. If some items are missing, ask for a corrected list. You can also note the items received and return it. Confirm with the sender how they want to proceed.

Do you still need the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card if you will file an affidavit of service?

The card is often the fastest proof. If you cannot get a signed card, an affidavit of service can be used. The affidavit confirms how and when you served the documents. Use the option that you can complete reliably.

Checklist: Before, During, and After

Before signing

• Confirm the court file number matches your case.
• Identify who served you and their contact details.
• Confirm your role: appellant, respondent, or counsel.
• Review the list of documents served. Match it to what you got.
• Check the method and date of service against your records.
• Confirm names and party titles are correct and spelled correctly.
• Ensure your mailing and email addresses are current.
• Verify who should sign: you, your firm, or your counsel.
• If you need internal approval, get it before you sign.
• If you have a conflict or misservice concern, pause and seek guidance.

During signing

• Enter the actual date you received the documents.
• Ensure the method of service listed is accurate.
• Check document titles, versions, and dates for accuracy.
• Correct any typos on names or addresses before signing.
• Print your name and title clearly under your signature.
• Use a signature accepted by the sender: ink or digital.
• Add your phone and email if space allows.
• Keep all handwriting legible and in black or blue ink.
• Initial any small corrections next to the change.
• Take a photo or scan of the signed card for your records.

After signing

• Return the signed card to the sender promptly.
• Use the return method the sender requests.
• If sending by email, attach a clear scan or PDF.
• If mailing or couriering, note the tracking number.
• Ask the sender to confirm receipt of the signed card.
• File your copy with your appeal materials.
• Calendar any response or filing deadlines triggered by service.
• If you are the serving party, file the returned card with the court.
• If no card returns, follow up and document your efforts.
• Consider alternate proof of service if the card is not returned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t forget to verify the document list.

Mistake: Signing when the list includes items you never received.

Consequence: You may be treated as served for items you do not have.

Fix: Ask for a corrected card, or note only the items received.

Don’t leave out the court file number.

Mistake: Returning a card without the file number.

Consequence: The registry may not match it to your case.

Fix: Confirm the number on every page before you sign.

Don’t use an unclear signature or date.

Mistake: Scribbled signature or missing date of receipt.

Consequence: The card may be rejected or challenged.

Fix: Print your name and title. Use a clear receipt date.

Don’t send the card to the wrong place.

Mistake: Filing the card with the court when the sender asked for it.

Consequence: The sender lacks proof and deadlines may be missed.

Fix: Return it to the sender, then keep a copy for yourself.

Don’t delay returning the card.

Mistake: Waiting weeks to send it back.

Consequence: It may create disputes about timelines in the appeal.

Fix: Return it as soon as possible after review.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

If you received the documents

• Send the signed Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card to the sender. Use their requested method. Email is often fastest.
• Keep a copy of the signed card and proof of transmission. Save the email trail or courier receipt.
• Review the served materials and calendar deadlines. Service may trigger timelines for your next steps.
• Tell your counsel, if any, that you received service. Share the documents and the signed card.
• If you spot errors in names, roles, or addresses, inform the sender. Ask for updated materials if needed.
• If your contact details change, notify all parties. Update your address for service to avoid future issues.

If you served the documents

• Track the return of the Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card. Set a follow-up reminder if it does not arrive.
• Once received, file the signed card with the court. Confirm the registry accepts the format you have.
• Save a complete service package in your file. Include the documents served, the signed card, and the transmission proof.
• Update your service list for the appeal. Confirm all parties have been served properly.
• If you cannot obtain the card, consider an affidavit of service. Use reliable records of how and when service occurred.
• Address any challenges or disputes quickly. Provide copies of the signed card or other proof as needed.

If the card has errors

• Do not file a card with material errors. Ask the signer to correct and re-execute it.
• If the error is minor, record a clear note explaining the correction. Initial any handwritten changes if possible.
• Keep a clean, legible final version. File only the accurate version with the court.

If the card goes missing

• Ask the recipient to sign a replacement. Resend the list of documents served.
• Provide the original service details again. Include dates, methods, and your contact details.
• If no response, document your efforts to obtain the acknowledgment. Maintain a timeline of follow-ups.

If you need to amend the document list

• Send a revised Form 6 – Acknowledgment of Receipt Card that reflects the correct list.
• Explain what changed and why. Ask for a new signature.
• Keep both versions in your records. File the final, accurate version.

If timing becomes an issue

• Communicate early about expected return dates.
• Offer practical return options, such as scanned signatures.
• If necessary, use alternate proof. Ensure it securely ties to your case and timeline.

In all cases

• • Keep your records organized and accessible.
  • Label your files with the court file number and party names.
  • Confirm that every receipt aligns with your service plan.