Quebec Small Claims Forms: Every Form You Need and When to File It

The Forms That Drive the Process

Quebec's Small Claims Division uses standardized forms published by the Ministry of Justice. Each one corresponds to a specific step in the proceeding. Here's what you'll encounter and when.

Form SJ-870E — Small Claims Application

This is the originating document. It's where you lay out who you are, who you're suing, the facts of your dispute, the amount claimed, and the judicial district where you're filing.

When to file it: After putting the debtor in default — usually by sending a formal notice (mise en demeure) and allowing its deadline to pass. Formal notice is generally required unless the debtor is already in default by operation of law. This form officially starts your court case.

Where to get it: Available in English at the court clerk's office or through the GNJQ online portal (lexius-gnjq.justice.gouv.qc.ca). The online version lets you fill, upload exhibits, and pay by credit card in one session.

Key detail: Paper versions must be sworn before a commissioner for oaths, notary, or court clerk. Online submissions through GNJQ have their own digital authentication process.

Form SJ-840 — List of Exhibits

Every piece of evidence you submit — contracts, invoices, the formal notice, delivery receipts, photographs, text message exports, expert reports — gets listed on this form. Think of it as your evidence table of contents.

When to file it: File the list with your initial application. Deposit primary supporting exhibits within 10 calendar days after filing the application or contestation, and file and serve additional exhibits at least 30 calendar days before the hearing.

Why it matters: The judge uses this list to track what's in your file. If an exhibit isn't on the list, it may not be considered.

Form SJ-871E — Response Form

This is the defendant's form. If you've been served with a small claims application, this is how you respond.

When to file it: Within 20 calendar days of receiving the claim. Options include full payment, a settlement offer, a formal contestation, a counterclaim, or bringing in a third party.

Filing as a plaintiff: You won't fill this out yourself, but you need to know the 20-day window exists — it's the deadline you're monitoring after your claim is served.

Form SJ-986 — Declaration for Default Judgment

If the defendant doesn't respond within 20 days, they're in default. This form asks the court to enter judgment in your favour; a hearing may not be needed for a liquidated claim supported by written proof.

When to file it: After the response deadline passes with no answer from the defendant, accounting for any extension when the last day is a weekend or statutory holiday.

What the court checks: The court clerk or judge verifies proof of service and reviews your supporting documents. For a liquidated claim supported by written proof, such as contracts and invoices, default judgment can be rendered without a hearing.

Form SJ-838 — Mandate of Representation

Since lawyers can't represent parties at small claims hearings, this form authorizes someone else to speak on your behalf — an unpaid spouse, relative, or friend when a natural person is unable to act, or (for a legal entity) a director, officer, or exclusive salaried employee.

Key restrictions: A representative for a natural person must act without pay; an entity's representative must be a director, officer, or exclusive salaried employee and cannot be a lawyer. Bring the signed form to the hearing.

Form SJ-1268 — Application in Course of Proceeding

This form is for interlocutory requests during the case — such as asking for a deadline extension, access to exhibits, or permission for substituted service if the defendant can't be reached by mail.

When to file it: Whenever a procedural issue arises that needs a court decision.

Form SJ-855 — Transfer Request

If someone is being sued in regular civil court and wants the case moved to the Small Claims Division (because it qualifies), this form requests the transfer.

When to file it: Filed with the court where the original suit was started.

Getting the Forms Right

The forms themselves are straightforward, but the sequence, timing, and supporting documentation matter. Our Quebec Small Claims Filing Guide maps each form to the stage where it's needed, with bilingual field-by-field instructions for the GNJQ portal and printable checklists for tracking which forms you've filed and which are coming next.

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