Small claims time limits in Quebec: the table
Missing a time limit can end a right before anyone looks at the merits. This table gathers the small claims limits our answers state, in the order you actually meet them. Every figure comes from one of our answers, each of which cites its official source · the last column takes you there.
| Limit | What it governs | The sourced answer |
|---|---|---|
| Before you file | ||
| 3 years | For a personal claim, generally 3 years from when the right of action arises, unless another period applies. Have the starting point, exceptions and any suspension or interruption checked. Official guidance | How long do I have to sue someone who owes me money? |
| 3 years | Latent defect: 3 years to sue. The starting point depends on discovery or, for a gradual problem, awareness of its seriousness. Notice to the seller is also required within a reasonable time: that notice has a separate time limit from the lawsuit. Official time-limit guidance | What is the time limit to sue for a latent defect? |
| Depends on the harm | Municipality: property damage generally has a 6-month limit from the damage, with notice within 15 days of the incident, sometimes sooner. Bodily injury has a 3-year limit from its first appearance, without notice of an intention to sue the municipality. Verify the applicable rules. Official time-limit guidance | Can I sue a city or the government in small claims? |
| 12 months | Legal persons, partnerships, associations and other groups without legal personality suing as creditors: at most 10 employees under their direction or control throughout the 12 months before the application. Eligibility condition, not a filing deadline. Official guidance | Can my business sue in small claims court? |
| Once the claim is filed | ||
| 20 days | Indicate your decision within 20 days from receipt of the application, using the official online response form and following its filing and court-fee instructions. The starting point is receipt, not the date the claimant filed. Confirm the applicable deadline promptly. Official instructions | I received a small claims application how long do I have to respond? |
| After expiry | A default judgment may be rendered once the response period has expired; it is not automatic. Until a default judgment has been rendered, the clerk cannot refuse a late defence, but the judge decides whether to accept it. Do not treat this as an extension. Official instructions | What happens if I don't respond to a small claims lawsuit? |
| 10 days · 30 days | File evidence within 10 days after formally filing the application or response form. Additional evidence must be filed no later than 30 days before the hearing. Official instructions | When do I have to file my evidence in small claims? |
| 30 days | Send the clerk the list of witnesses to summon at least 30 days before the hearing date. Official instructions | How do I bring a witness to small claims? |
| After the hearing | ||
| 4 months | Judgment may be given at the hearing. Otherwise, the prescribed period is 4 months from taking the case under advisement, subject to extension by the chief judge. No guaranteed receipt date. Official guidance | How long after the hearing will I get the judgment? |
| 30 days · 10 days | To pay: 30 days from the judgment date, or 10 days if the debtor failed to contest the application. Missing the hearing alone does not trigger this shorter period. Check the judgment: the court may set different execution terms. Official instructions | How long does the person have to pay me after the judgment? |
| 30 days · 6 months | File for revocation within 30 days after learning of the judgment and no later than 6 months from the judgment date. A valid reason and a sworn application are required; revocation is not automatic. Official instructions | I got a default judgment can I have it cancelled? |
The 11 table entries received bounded source reviews on September 29 and October 1, 2026. The latest pass clarifies general prescription, entity eligibility, judgment timing and court-ordered execution terms. Official guidance is linked in each row. This table does not calculate your deadline or establish eligibility; preparing or exporting a document here does not file it with the court.
Legislation consulted on : Civil Code, Book VIII (French) · Code of Civil Procedure, arts. 324, 536 and 565.
What a table cannot tell you
A number is never the whole rule. When a limit starts running, whether it can be suspended or interrupted, and which exceptions apply are decided case by case · a gradual defect requires attention to awareness of its seriousness and notice to the seller; municipal rules differ according to the harm. Read the linked answer, then check the official source. For your own situation, a lawyer, legal aid or a proximity justice centre remain the references.
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Related questions
Short answers, dated and sourced, on specific points.