Small Claims Court in Quebec
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. 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 an accessible, low-cost court designed for everyday civil disputes. You generally don't need a lawyer, and the process is designed for self-represented people.
The monetary limits vary dramatically by province:
- Alberta: up to $100,000
- Ontario: up to $50,000 (increased October 2025)
- British Columbia: Civil Resolution Tribunal up to $5,000; Small Claims Court up to $35,000
- Quebec: up to $15,000 — and lawyers are not allowed to represent you
The basic process is: file your claim, serve the other party, attend the hearing, and get a judgment.
When does it apply?
- Civil disputes — unpaid invoices, property damage, breach of contract, consumer complaints, security deposit disputes.
- Your claim must be within the monetary limit for your province.
What to Do If You Need to Sue Someone for Money in Canada
- Determine the correct court and monetary limit for your province before filing.
- Gather your evidence — receipts, contracts, photos, emails, text messages.
- File your claim and pay the filing fee (usually under $200).
- Serve the other party according to the court's rules.
- Attend the hearing prepared — bring all your documents organized and ready to present.
- Bring witnesses who can support your version of events.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't miss the limitation period — in most provinces you have 2 years to file.
- Don't bring a claim above the monetary limit — it will be dismissed or transferred to a higher court with higher costs.
- Don't ignore a claim filed against you — the court can issue a default judgment, meaning you automatically lose.
- Don't be rude or emotional in court — stick to the facts and let your evidence speak.
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
When does small claims court apply?
Civil disputes — unpaid invoices, property damage, breach of contract, consumer complaints, security deposit disputes.Your claim must be within the monetary limit for your province.
What should I do if someone in Canada owes me money and refuses to pay?
Determine the correct court and monetary limit for your province before filing.Gather your evidence — receipts, contracts, photos, emails, text messages.File your claim and pay the filing fee (usually under $200).Serve the other party according to the court's rules.Attend the hearing prepared — bring all your documents organized and ready to present.Bring witnesses who can support your version of events.
What mistakes should I avoid with small claims court?
Don't miss the limitation period — in most provinces you have 2 years to file.Don't bring a claim above the monetary limit — it will be dismissed or transferred to a higher court with higher costs.Don't ignore a claim filed against you — the court can issue a default judgment, meaning you automatically lose.Don't be rude or emotional in court — stick to the facts and let your evidence speak.
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