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You got your Small Claims Court judgment. Now what?
A judgment does not collect itself. Start by asking the other side to pay, then choose an enforcement step that fits what you know about their money or property.
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Start by asking for payment
A judgment says the court has decided the case. It does not mean the money arrives by itself. The court does not collect the money for you. Start by asking the other side to pay. Tell them the amount still owed and give them a clear date to pay. Keep a copy of your message and record any payment.
If they do not pay, you can use steps through Small Claims Court. The right step may depend on what you know about the debtor's money and property.
Ways to enforce a judgment
- Find out what the debtor has. You can ask for an examination hearing with a Notice of Examination (Form 20H). The debtor answers questions about income, property and debts.
- Collect from wages or a bank account. A Notice of Garnishment (Form 20E) can be used for money owed to the debtor by an employer or bank.
- Seize and sell personal property. A writ of seizure and sale for personal property uses Form 20C. The GoSelfRep form record marks the exact property and process for this form [VERIFY].
- Seize and sell land. A writ of seizure and sale for land uses Form 20D. The GoSelfRep form record marks the exact property and process for this form [VERIFY].
- Get property back. A writ of delivery uses Form 20B to ask for property to be returned [VERIFY: Form 20B is not in the current GoSelfRep forms list].
Read our guide to collecting on a judgment before choosing a step. Form fees and details can change; check the current form information before you file.
If your order came from the Landlord and Tenant Board
A Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) order for money can be enforced like a Small Claims Court judgment once it is filed with the Small Claims Court, as long as the amount is within the $50,000 limit.
You can file the order in person at the court office. To file online, use the Ontario Courts Public Portal and choose the “Small Claims Court - Tribunal Order (LTB)” form. Once the order is filed, use the same enforcement steps described above.
For a quick check of the Small Claims Court amount limit, use the Can I use Small Claims Court? checker. Then go to the collecting stage of the roadmap.
Common questions
Start with a clear request for payment. If the other side does not pay, learn what money or property may be available and choose an enforcement step.
Common questions
Does the court collect the money after judgment?
No. The court does not collect the money for you. Start by asking the other side to pay. If they do not, you can use enforcement steps through Small Claims Court.
What forms can I use to enforce a judgment?
Forms include 20H for an examination hearing, 20E for garnishment, 20C or 20D for a writ of seizure and sale, and 20B for a writ of delivery [VERIFY: Form 20B is not in the current GoSelfRep forms list].
Can I file a Landlord and Tenant Board order in Small Claims Court?
A money order can be filed with the Small Claims Court if the amount is within the $50,000 limit. You can file it at the court office or through the Ontario Courts Public Portal using “Small Claims Court - Tribunal Order (LTB)”.