Before you go
Confirm the date, time, courthouse and file number from your notice, and check the court's site for filing and attendance requirements — many matters now proceed partly or fully by videoconference, and appearing in the wrong mode counts as not appearing.
Bring photo ID, your file number, three organised copies of every document you rely on (one for you, one for the other side, one for the judge), and a dated timeline. Bring originals where you have them.
Arriving
Allow substantially more time than you think. Security screening applies at courthouses, queues form, and courtroom assignments are typically posted on daily lists in the lobby rather than known in advance.
Court staff can tell you where to go and explain procedure, but they cannot give legal advice or tell you what to argue. Where available, duty counsel or a court help centre can assist on the day.
How a hearing runs
Matters are rarely called at the stated time — lists are often scheduled together and heard in order of readiness. Expect to wait, and do not leave without checking with the clerk.
Address the judge respectfully (in Quebec, commonly 'Monsieur le juge' or 'Madame la juge'), stand when speaking, do not interrupt, and speak to the judge rather than to the other party. Keep answers responsive and short: judges are assessing credibility and relevance, not volume.
After the hearing
A decision may be given orally on the day or reserved and released later in writing. Ask the clerk how and when you will receive it, and get a copy — appeal deadlines run from the judgment, not from when you happen to read it.
If you lose, note the appeal or review period immediately; it is usually short. If you win, ask what steps are needed to enforce the judgment, because a judgment is not self-executing.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I bring?
- Photo ID, your file number, three organised copies of every document you rely on, originals where available, and a dated timeline of events.
- How early should I arrive?
- Well before the stated time. Security screening, queues and lobby lists all take longer than people expect, and courtroom assignments are usually posted that morning.
- Can court staff help me?
- They can explain procedure and direct you, but cannot give legal advice. Duty counsel and court help centres exist in many courthouses for advice on the day.
- What do I call the judge?
- Address them respectfully — in Quebec commonly 'Monsieur le juge' or 'Madame la juge'. Stand when speaking and address the judge rather than the other party.
- When will I get the decision?
- Sometimes orally on the day, sometimes reserved and released in writing later. Ask the clerk, and get a copy — appeal deadlines run from the judgment date.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws, costs, and procedures vary by state, province, and your specific situation — speak with a qualified civil litigation lawyer about your circumstances before acting.