Small claims

Preparation of your small claims file (up to CA$15,000)

In small claims, you represent yourself: the law requires it. We prepare the application and the evidence, and we train you for the hearing.

Maximum amount
CA$15,000
C.p.c., art. 536
Court fees (paid by you at filing)
CA$121 to CA$382 depending on the amount and your status
Québec.ca — tarif des petites créances
Median time to close a file
406 days
Rapport annuel de gestion du ministère de la Justice 2024-2025

What is included

  • Analysis of your claim and your chances (prescription, evidence, correct defendant)
  • Drafting of the small claims application, ready to file online or at the court office
  • Organization and numbering of your exhibits, list of witnesses
  • Demand letter included if one has not yet been sent
  • 45-minute preparation session by video with the lawyer: how the hearing unfolds, the judge's questions, answers to prepare

What is not included

  • Representation at the hearing (not permitted for a lawyer, Code of Civil Procedure, art. 542)
  • Court filing fees and notification costs
  • Claims over CA$15,000

What might be added

  • If the other party files a counterclaim, a second preparation session (CA$169) may be useful.

Any additional service is announced at a fixed price, in writing, before it is undertaken.

Three steps.

  1. 1

    You describe your claim and upload contracts, invoices, correspondence and photos.

  2. 2

    We draft the application and organize the evidence; the lawyer validates everything.

  3. 3

    Preparation session by video, then you file the application (we guide you step by step).

You follow each step in your client area. The LIORMA team prepares; the lawyer advises, validates and signs. No decision concerning you is made without human review.

What the law says

Excerpts of the law are reproduced in their official French version; the explanation that follows is translated.

C.p.c., art. 542
« Tant les personnes physiques que les personnes morales peuvent consulter un avocat, notamment afin de préparer la présentation de leur dossier. »

The lawyer cannot plead for you in small claims, but can prepare your file with you.

Official text on LégisQuébec

Frequently asked questions

Why can't a lawyer represent me?+

The Code of Civil Procedure prohibits it in small claims (art. 542), with some exceptions. Preparation is permitted and makes all the difference: a clear file and well-organized evidence.

Is mediation mandatory?+

For claims of CA$5,000 or less, mediation has been mandatory in all judicial districts since March 2026. We offer mediation preparation at CA$279.

Small claims preparation — CA$499, all inclusive.
File ready to be filed within 5 business days after we receive your documents; preparation session at your convenience.
Prepare my file

To understand the time limits

Guides in French.

In the same category

CA$279
all inclusive

Mediation preparation

Mediation is mandatory for claims of CA$5,000 or less. Arrive with a strategy, a bottom-line amount and your exhibits.

Mandatory mediation: Claims of CA$5,000 or less, all judicial districts since March 2026

See the listing and order
Prepare my mediation

All-inclusive prices in Canadian dollars: GST, QST and, where indicated, government and delivery fees included. Each listing specifies the services included, those that are not, and those that may be required in addition. Price list in force since 13 octobre 2026, held for at least 90 days (Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers, ss. 146 to 148). Limited-scope mandate (s. 31) confirmed by a written agreement before work begins. A lawyer who is a member of the Barreau du Québec reviews and signs every file.