Small Claims Court — Quebec
Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Small claims court is the part of the justice system designed for people without lawyers. The procedural rules are stripped down, the filing fees are low, and judges are used to walking self-represented parties through it.
Where small claims gets confusing is the monetary limit — it varies dramatically by province:
- Alberta: up to $100,000
- Ontario: up to $50,000 (raised in October 2025)
- British Columbia: Civil Resolution Tribunal up to $5,000; Small Claims Court up to $35,000
- Quebec: up to $15,000 — and unusually, lawyers are not allowed to represent you in court
The mechanics are the same everywhere: file the claim, serve the other party, attend the hearing, get a judgment. Then the harder part — collecting on it.
When does it apply?
- Civil disputes — unpaid invoices, property damage, breach of contract, consumer complaints, deposit disputes.
- Your claim has to fit under the provincial monetary limit.
What to Do If You Need to Sue Someone for Money in Canada
- Confirm the right court and limit in your province before doing anything else.
- Pull together the evidence — receipts, contracts, photos, emails, text messages, in date order.
- File the claim and pay the fee (usually well under $200).
- Serve the other party using the method the court requires — improper service kills cases on technicalities.
- Show up prepared. Organised documents, a one-page chronology, and a calm tone go further than you'd expect.
- Bring witnesses who can speak to what they personally saw.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't miss the limitation period. Most provinces give you 2 years from the date you knew (or should have known) about the loss.
- Don't try to squeeze a claim above the limit into small claims. It'll be dismissed or transferred up — and the costs follow.
- Don't ignore a claim filed against you. Default judgment means you've lost without ever speaking.
- Don't get emotional in court. Stick to facts and dates — the bench has heard everything else.
How Quebec differs from federal law
Quebec's Small Claims Division (Division des petites creances) of the Court of Quebec handles civil disputes up to $15,000. It is designed to be accessible, informal, and affordable.
- The small claims limit is $15,000 (excluding interest and costs). Claims above this amount must be filed in the regular division of the Court of Quebec or the Superior Court.
- Lawyers are not permitted to represent parties in Small Claims Court (except for corporations, which must be represented by a director or officer). Individuals represent themselves, which helps keep costs down and proceedings accessible.
- Court fees are modest — typically between $104 and $302 depending on the amount claimed (as of 2024). The losing party may be ordered to reimburse the winner's court fees.
- Before the hearing, the court offers a free mediation session. Many cases are resolved at mediation without a hearing. If mediation fails, a judge hears the case.
- Decisions are final and without appeal for claims under $15,000. This means the judge's decision cannot be challenged in a higher court (except in very limited circumstances through judicial review).
- You can file a small claims case online through the Quebec Justice website or in person at the courthouse in the district where the defendant resides or where the contract was entered into.
Additional Steps in Quebec
File your claim at the Court of Quebec, Small Claims Division online at justice.gouv.qc.ca or at your local courthouse. You will need the defendant's name and address, a description of your claim, and supporting documents. The court will schedule a mediation session first. If that fails, a hearing date will be set. Prepare your evidence clearly — you will present your own case.
Relevant Law: Code of Civil Procedure (CQLR c C-25.01), arts. 536-570 (Small Claims); Courts of Justice Act (CQLR c T-16)
Common Questions
What is the small claims court right in Canada?
Small claims court is the part of the justice system designed for people without lawyers. The procedural rules are stripped down, the filing fees are low, and judges are used to walking self-represented parties through it.Where small claims gets confusing is the monetary limit — it varies dramatically by province:Alberta: up to $100,000Ontario: up to $50,000 (raised in October 2025)British Columbia: Civil Resolution Tribunal up to $5,000; Small Claims Court up to $35,000Quebec: up to $15,000 — and unusually, lawyers are not allowed to represent you in courtThe mechanics are the same everywhere...
When does small claims court apply?
Civil disputes — unpaid invoices, property damage, breach of contract, consumer complaints, deposit disputes.Your claim has to fit under the provincial monetary limit.
What should I do if someone in Canada owes me money and refuses to pay?
Confirm the right court and limit in your province before doing anything else.Pull together the evidence — receipts, contracts, photos, emails, text messages, in date order.File the claim and pay the fee (usually well under $200).Serve the other party using the method the court requires — improper service kills cases on technicalities.Show up prepared. Organised documents, a one-page chronology, and a calm tone go further than you'd expect.Bring witnesses who can speak to what they personally saw.
What mistakes should I avoid with small claims court?
Don't miss the limitation period. Most provinces give you 2 years from the date you knew (or should have known) about the loss.Don't try to squeeze a claim above the limit into small claims. It'll be dismissed or transferred up — and the costs follow.Don't ignore a claim filed against you. Default judgment means you've lost without ever speaking.Don't get emotional in court. Stick to facts and dates — the bench has heard everything else.
Small Claims Court in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.