Which court do I use — Cour du Québec or Cour supérieure?

It depends mainly on the amount claimed and the subject. Divorce, class actions and judicial review go to the Cour supérieure regardless of amount. Below the Cour du Québec's monetary limit, most civil claims go there instead.

Is divorce always heard here?

Yes. Divorce and separation from bed and board fall within the Cour supérieure's exclusive jurisdiction in Quebec.

Can I get an urgent order?

The court hears urgent applications including injunctions and safeguard orders. Genuine urgency must be demonstrated, and these applications move quickly — get advice the same day.

Not required, but strongly advisable. Quebec civil procedure is codified and technical, and the court expects compliance regardless of representation.

Cour supérieure du Québec — Superior Court: Jurisdiction & Filing

Cour supérieure du Québec

Superior Court of Quebec

The Cour supérieure is Quebec's court of general jurisdiction: it hears civil claims above the Cour du Québec's monetary limit, all divorce and separation from bed and board, estate matters, class actions, judicial review of administrative decisions, and the most serious criminal trials. If no statute assigns a matter elsewhere, it belongs here.

What it does

Hears civil claims above the Cour du Québec's monetary jurisdiction
Decides divorce, separation and related family matters
Authorises and manages class actions
Conducts judicial review of administrative bodies and tribunals
Hears the most serious criminal matters, including jury trials

Matters it hears

Divorce, spousal and child support, parenting arrangements
Class actions
Larger civil and commercial disputes
Estate and succession disputes, and capacity matters
Judicial review and applications for injunctions
Serious criminal offences

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Cour d'appel du Québec.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which court do I use — Cour du Québec or Cour supérieure?: It depends mainly on the amount claimed and the subject. Divorce, class actions and judicial review go to the Cour supérieure regardless of amount. Below the Cour du Québec's monetary limit, most civil claims go there instead.
Is divorce always heard here?: Yes. Divorce and separation from bed and board fall within the Cour supérieure's exclusive jurisdiction in Quebec.
Can I get an urgent order?: The court hears urgent applications including injunctions and safeguard orders. Genuine urgency must be demonstrated, and these applications move quickly — get advice the same day.
Do I need a lawyer?: Not required, but strongly advisable. Quebec civil procedure is codified and technical, and the court expects compliance regardless of representation.

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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 supérieure du Québec. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.