
Small Claims Court Quebec Guide
Clear, province-specific guidance on small claims procedures, filing limits, fees, and court processes in Quebec.

In This Guide
Courts & Claims
Code of Civil Procedure – Small Claims Rules
https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/C-25.01?langCont=en
Forms & Filing
Small Claims Application – Form SJ-870E
All Small Claims Forms
https://www.quebec.ca/en/justice-and-civil-status/small-claims/filing-claim
Court Locations
Québec Courthouse Directory
https://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/en/join-us/find-a-courthouse/
Legal Help & Education
Éducaloi – Small Claims Court Guide
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/web-guide/small-claims-court/
Éducaloi – Step-by-Step Tutorials
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/themes/small-claims-court/
Legal Aid Québec (Commission des services juridiques)
https://www.csj.qc.ca/commission-des-services-juridiques/
Barreau du Québec – Lawyer Directory
https://www.barreau.qc.ca/en/find-a-lawyer/
Justice Pro Bono (formerly Pro Bono Québec)
Pro Bono Canada
- Use Québec Small Claims Court for claims up to $15,000, disputes about money, product/service issues, property damage, debts/repayment, and basic contract disagreements. People represent themselves and lawyers are normally not allowed. Use Québec Superior Court for claims over $15,000, bigger/complex cases, or special court orders.
Get everything ready.
Send demand letter explaining what happened, what you want, 10–30 day deadline, and that you will file if unresolved.
Send with tracking.
Gather receipts, contracts, invoices, emails, screenshots, text messages, photos/documents, and timeline.
Use form SJ-870E and include defendant name/address, clear explanation, and exact amount.
File in courthouse for area where defendant lives or issue happened.
Bring completed form, evidence copies, and filing fee.
Clerk stamps claim and gives service copies.
Serve by bailiff (most common/safest), registered mail, or limited hand delivery.
File proof of service after serving.
You can settle any time before hearing.
If settled, put agreement in writing and file it.
Some districts offer voluntary mediation.
If no agreement, case moves forward.
Judge at Court of Québec hears case.
Bring organized documents, copies for judge/defendant, and witnesses.
Decision may be immediate or later.
If you win, enforcement may include wage garnishment, bank seizure, or property seizure.
Small Claims decisions cannot be appealed except rare cases.
If you need assistance preparing your claim or cannot afford legal representation, the following resources may help:
Éducaloi Small Claims Guides
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/web-guide/small-claims-court/
Legal Aid Québec
https://www.csj.qc.ca/commission-des-services-juridiques/
Justice Pro Bono
Barreau du Québec – Find a Lawyer
https://www.barreau.qc.ca/en/find-a-lawyer/
Pro Bono Canada
Serve claim: as soon as possible after filing.
Defendant reply: according to instructions in court documents.
Hearing: scheduled after service.
Payment: due as required by judge.
Default judgment: possible if defendant does not appear.
Find courthouse for your district using Québec courthouse directory.
Québec Courthouse Directory
https://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/en/join-us/find-a-courthouse/
Important Note
This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Small claims rules, fees, and claim limits may change. Always confirm curent details with your local court.
