The guides on this site go into full detail on every stage of a case. This page strips each stage down to a quick-reference list, for when you already understand the process and just want to double-check you haven't missed a step.
Before filing a claim
- Confirm you have a claim — see do I have a claim?
- Confirm Small Claims Court is the right venue — see can I sue?
- Confirm you're within your limitation period — see the filing deadline calculator
- Send a demand letter — see the demand letter builder
- Gather your documents and evidence — see the claim preparation checklist
- Confirm where to file — see where to file
After being served with a claim
- Confirm your exact service date and calculate your deadline — see defendant deadlines
- Decide how to respond — see how to respond
- Prepare your defence — see preparing a defence
- Consider whether you have your own claim to bring — see Defendant's Claims
- File and serve your response before your deadline
Before a settlement conference
- Review the full process — see settlement conferences
- Prepare a realistic settlement position, and consider a formal offer — see offers to settle
- Use the settlement offer calculator to evaluate any offers
- Organize your key documents and evidence in advance
Before trial
- Review preparing for trial in full
- Organize your evidence and witnesses — see evidence and witnesses
- Confirm your court location and hearing format — see court locations
- Review what actually happens at a hearing — see trials
After winning a judgment
- Confirm the judgment amount, including any interest — see postjudgment interest calculator
- Give the other side a reasonable opportunity to pay voluntarily
- If unpaid, review your enforcement options — see the judgment enforcement guide
Try the interactive version
For a guided, step-by-step version of the pre-filing checklist above, try the interactive claim preparation checklist, which walks you through confirming each item rather than just listing them.
Frequently asked questions
Are these checklists a substitute for the full guides?
No — they're meant as a quick reference once you already understand the underlying process. Read the linked full guides for the complete explanation behind each item.
Do I need to complete every item on a checklist before moving forward?
Generally yes, for the items relevant to your specific situation — treat gaps as things to resolve before proceeding rather than optional extras.
Is there a checklist for every possible situation?
These cover the most common stages of a typical case. For an unusual situation, the full guides linked throughout this site provide more tailored detail.