Response form to an action at the Small Claims Division (SJ-871E)

Use this form if you are the defendant in a small claims case and wish to contest the application.

As a defendant, take the time to familiarize yourself with the following before filling out the form:

• Indicate what you intend to do
• Defending on the merits
• Cross-application
• Settlement
• Mediation at the Small Claims Division
• Representing a party at the Small Claims Division

Ensure that you have all the information needed to fill out the form:

• the court record file number on the copy of the application you received in the mail (e.g., XXX-XX-XXXXXX-XX);
• the documents that will serve as evidence
• key dates related to the case
• etc.

Court files are considered public information. The information you provide on this form will therefore become public knowledge. Do not use this form if you need to keep your residential address confidential on your application. Contact a courthouse  for more information.

Filing a response to an action with the Small Claims Division is subject to court costs . They may be paid online after you fill out the application.

Your application is formally filed once the court office has received the form and the court costs have been paid.