How to Prepare for Small Claims Court in Yukon

The Settlement Conference Comes First

Before your case goes to trial, the court schedules a settlement conference — a meeting where a judge or justice of the peace sits down with both parties to see if the dispute can be resolved without a full hearing.

Come prepared. Bring your documents, know your numbers, and be ready to explain your position clearly and briefly. Many cases settle at this stage, saving everyone the time and stress of a trial. If the other side offers a reasonable amount, consider taking it — a guaranteed settlement is often worth more than a trial with uncertain timing.

If settlement fails, the claimant can set the matter down for trial by filing Form 15 — Notice of Trial and paying the $50 fee.

Organizing Your Evidence

The single most important thing you can do before trial is organize your documents. Judges hear multiple cases per sitting, and a claimant who hands over a neat, chronological bundle makes a far stronger impression than one who shuffles through a disorganized stack.

Build your evidence file in this order:

1. The contract or agreement — the written document that created the obligation, or a summary of the verbal agreement with dates
2. Financial records — invoices, receipts, bank statements, cancelled cheques, or e-transfer confirmations showing what was paid and what is outstanding
3. The demand letter — your pre-suit letter and proof of delivery
4. Correspondence — emails, text messages, or letters between you and the defendant, arranged by date
5. Photos or video — property damage, defective work, or the condition of goods, with dates
6. Repair estimates or expert reports — independent quotes or assessments supporting your damages figure

Make three copies of everything: one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for yourself.

What Happens at Trial

Yukon Small Claims Court hearings are less formal than Supreme Court trials, but they follow a clear structure:

1. The claimant presents first. You explain what happened, walk through your evidence, and state the amount you are claiming. The judge may ask questions.

2. The defendant responds. They tell their side, present their own evidence, and challenge your claims.

3. Witnesses testify. If you have witnesses, they give their account and can be questioned by the other side. If a witness will not come voluntarily, you can compel their attendance with Form 17 — Summons to Witness (serve it in person with conduct money).

4. Both sides summarize. Each party gets a chance to make a brief closing statement.

5. The judge decides. The judge may give a decision on the spot or reserve a written decision.

Presenting Evidence Effectively

Be specific. "He owes me money" is not enough. "The defendant received an invoice for $4,200 on March 15, 2026, for driveway paving completed on March 8. Payment was due within 30 days. No payment has been received." That is what judges need.

Refer to documents by tab or page number. If your bundle is organized, you can say "Tab 3 is the signed estimate" and the judge can follow along.

Stick to facts. Do not editorialize about the defendant's character. The judge cares about what happened, what was agreed, what was breached, and what it cost you.

Answer the judge's questions directly. If you do not know the answer, say so. Guessing or evading makes you less credible.

After the Hearing

If you win, the judge issues a judgment for the amount owed, potentially including interest and costs. The defendant is ordered to pay — but the court does not collect the money for you. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you will need to pursue enforcement: garnishment of wages or bank accounts, seizure of property, or a financial examination of the debtor.

If you lose, you may be ordered to pay part of the defendant's costs.

The Making a Small Claim in Yukon guide includes an evidence exhibit index and a hearing preparation checklist so you walk into court with every document organized and every deadline tracked.

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