Small Claims Court in Quebec (2026)
File a claim for up to $15,000 in Quebec without a lawyer. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
Quebec small claims guide
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Quebec Small Claims: Key Facts
Court
Division des petites créances (Small Claims Division of the Court of Quebec)
Claim limit
$15,000: Quebec Small Claims (Petites Créances) limit is $15,000 as of 2021.
Filing fee
Natural person: $121 (claims up to $5,000), $223 ($5,000.01–$10,000), $241 ($10,000.01–$15,000). Legal person (companies): $191, $318, $382 for the same bands. Tariff is indexed each January 1. Verify before filing.
Starting form
Form SJ-870E (Court of Quebec, Division des petites creances)
How to file
File your Demand (Demande) at the Cour du Québec, Division des petites créances, in the district where the defendant lives or where the obligation was to be performed. Quebec is plaintiff-files, court-serves.
Serving the defendant
The court serves the defendant by registered mail. If unsuccessful, the plaintiff must arrange personal service by a bailiff (huissier).
Step-by-Step: Filing in Quebec
- 1
Send a written demand letter (Mise en demeure) first. It's required in Quebec before filing.
- 2
Complete the Demand form at the Cour du Québec, Division des petites créances.
- 3
Pay the filing fee.
- 4
The court serves the defendant. If that fails, arrange service by a huissier.
- 5
Attend the hearing. No lawyers allowed for either side.
- 6
Receive the written decision.
- 7
If defendant doesn't pay, enforce through garnishment or seizure.
What Happens at the Hearing
Hearing before a judge. Lawyers are not permitted to represent parties in Quebec small claims (either side). The judge actively helps guide the hearing. Decisions are typically given in writing.
After You Win: Collecting Your Judgment
After judgment, a creditor can have the judgment registered and use enforcement mechanisms: garnishment (saisie-arrêt) of wages or bank accounts, seizure of movable property.
If the Defendant Counterclaims
The defendant can file a cross-demand (demande reconventionnelle) for related matters under $15,000.
Quebec-specific things to know
- •Quebec is unique: neither party can be represented by a lawyer in small claims court.
- •A Mise en demeure (formal demand letter) is required before filing in Quebec.
- •3-year prescription period (limitation) for most contractual claims in Quebec.
- •The judge actively helps unrepresented parties understand the process.
Common Questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Quebec?
In Quebec, lawyers are not permitted to represent parties in Small Claims Court. You represent yourself.
What if my claim is more than $15,000?
You can either waive the amount above $15,000 and file in Small Claims Court, or file in a higher court (Superior/Queen's Bench/Court of King's Bench) where lawyers are typically needed and the process is more formal and expensive.
How long do I have to file? (Limitation period)
Quebec has a 3-year prescription period for most contractual claims.
What if the defendant doesn't show up?
If the defendant was properly served and doesn't appear, the court will typically proceed and you may receive a default judgment in your favour. You still need to present your evidence.
Official sources
Last updated: July 2026
Small claims in other provinces