Can I bring a lawyer to Small Claims?

Generally no — the Small Claims Division is designed for self-representation and lawyers usually cannot act for parties before it. A lawyer can still advise you in preparing your case.

Can I appeal a Small Claims decision?

Generally no. Small Claims judgments are final, which is part of the trade-off for the simplified, low-cost procedure.

What is the monetary limit?

There are thresholds for both the Civil Division and Small Claims, and they are adjusted over time. Confirm the current figures on the official site before filing.

Which division handles my matter?

Civil for money and contract disputes, Criminal and Penal for offences, Youth for protection and young offender matters. The registry can confirm which applies.

Cour du Québec — Court of Quebec: Civil, Criminal, Youth & Small Claims

Cour du Québec

Court of Quebec

The Cour du Québec is the province's principal first-instance court, organised into Civil, Criminal and Penal, and Youth Divisions. Its Civil Division includes the Small Claims Division, where lawyers generally cannot represent parties — a deliberate design so people can bring modest claims themselves. It also hears many statutory appeals from administrative bodies.

What it does

Hears civil claims below the statutory monetary threshold
Operates the Small Claims Division for lower-value disputes
Hears most criminal and penal matters not reserved to the Cour supérieure
Decides youth protection and young offender matters
Hears defined statutory appeals from administrative decisions

Matters it hears

Small claims (parties generally represent themselves)
Civil and commercial disputes below the threshold
Landlord and tenant appeals from the Tribunal administratif du logement
Criminal and penal offences
Youth protection and adoption
Statutory appeals from certain tribunals

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Cour d'appel du Québec.

Small Claims decisions are generally final and not appealable; other divisions may be appealed to the Cour d'appel, sometimes with leave.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a lawyer to Small Claims?: Generally no — the Small Claims Division is designed for self-representation and lawyers usually cannot act for parties before it. A lawyer can still advise you in preparing your case.
Can I appeal a Small Claims decision?: Generally no. Small Claims judgments are final, which is part of the trade-off for the simplified, low-cost procedure.
What is the monetary limit?: There are thresholds for both the Civil Division and Small Claims, and they are adjusted over time. Confirm the current figures on the official site before filing.
Which division handles my matter?: Civil for money and contract disputes, Criminal and Penal for offences, Youth for protection and young offender matters. The registry can confirm which applies.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Cour du Québec. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.