How many days does a defendant have to reply after the service of the statement of defence?

The timeframe for a defendant to reply after being served with a statement of defence is crucial in civil proceedings. Under the Rules of Civil Procedure in Ontario, a defendant has 10 days to serve a reply to the statement of defence if they choose to do so. This time frame is designed to maintain the efficiency of legal proceedings and ensure that matters progress without undue delay.

If a defendant does not file a reply within this specified period, they may be seen as having accepted the allegations made in the statement of defence, which can have significant implications for the case. Moreover, this 10-day period provides a clear structure for the management of pleadings, allowing both parties to prepare adequately for the next steps in litigation.

The other timeframes mentioned—5 days, 15 days, and 20 days—are not applicable to this particular situation under current Ontario rules, thus affirming that 10 days is the correct and mandated period for a reply to a statement of defence.