About the small claims judgment

The judge renders a judgment after hearing all the parties during the trial. The judge can:

• grant the plaintiff’s claim in its entirety;
• grant part of the plaintiff’s claim; or 
• dismiss the plaintiff’s claim. 

If applicable, the judge also rules on the cross-application filed by the defendant against the plaintiff.

The judge can render judgment “from the bench”, in other words verbally at the trial in the presence of all the parties. The judge may also take the case under advisement and render judgment in writing at a later date, not more than 4 months after the end of the trial.

The judge can also render a judgment on the face of the record.

The parties receive a copy of the judgment. 

The judgment also rules on costs, which may include the amounts paid to file an application or defence, and the reimbursement of any other costs granted by the judge. In general, the losing party must pay the costs.