Demand Letter (Mise en Demeure) Template — Quebec
In Quebec, the demand letter is called a mise en demeure (formal notice) — a required step before many court proceedings, sent by registered mail so you can prove it was received. The Small Claims Division, Court of Québec hears claims up to $15,000. Below is a ready-to-edit mise en demeure with Quebec’s court and limit already filled in — customize it, then mail it.
Quebec at a glance
- Small-claims limit: $15,000.
- Court: Small Claims Division of the Court of Québec.
- A mise en demeure (formal notice) is a required step before certain proceedings — don’t skip it.
- How to send it: registered mail is strongly recommended so you have dated proof the recipient received your demand.
- Deadline: give the debtor a firm date — usually 10 to 14 days — to pay before you file.
Demand Letter (Mise en Demeure) Template
Copy the letter below into the editor, replace the text in [brackets] with your details, and PostPal will print and mail it for you.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Quebec Postal Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Recipient Address] [City, Quebec Postal Code] RE: FORMAL NOTICE (MISE EN DEMEURE) — $[Amount] Dear [Recipient Name], You are hereby formally notified (mise en demeure) to pay me the sum of $[Amount], which you owe me for [describe the debt — e.g. an unpaid invoice, a personal loan, goods sold, or damages]. Despite my earlier request(s), this amount remains unpaid. DETAILS OF THE DEBT: • Amount owed: $[Amount] • Date incurred: [Date] • Reason owed: [Brief description of why the money is owed] • Previous requests: [Dates of any earlier reminders, if applicable] I require full payment of $[Amount] within [10] days of receipt of this notice, on or before [deadline date]. Payment can be made by [e-transfer / cheque / other method] to [payment details]. If you fail to pay within that time, I intend to file a claim against you in the Small Claims Division of the Court of Québec, which hears claims up to $15,000, without further notice. Sending this formal notice is a required step before certain proceedings in Quebec, and I am sending it by registered mail to preserve proof that you received it. I would prefer to settle this matter without recourse to the court. Yours truly, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
What your mise en demeure must include
- Your full name and contact details, and the recipient’s name and address
- The exact amount owed and a clear description of what it is for
- A firm deadline for payment (commonly 10 to 14 days)
- How and where payment should be made
- A statement that you will file a claim in the Small Claims Division, Court of Québec if you are not paid
Send it registered, with proof of delivery
A mise en demeure carries more weight when you can prove it was received. PostPal can mail your letter by registered mail with Canada Post — you get tracking and a signed record of delivery, for $22 more.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to send a mise en demeure before suing in Quebec?
In Quebec a formal notice (mise en demeure) is required before many proceedings. Quebec’s own guidance warns that you may lose your case simply because you failed to send one. Even where it is not strictly mandatory, sending it first is expected and shows the court you tried to resolve the matter.
How much can I claim in the Small Claims Division, Court of Québec?
The Small Claims Division of the Court of Québec hears claims up to $15,000. If your claim is larger, you generally either sue in a higher court or give up the amount above the limit.
Should I send my mise en demeure by registered mail?
Yes. A mise en demeure should be sent by registered mail so you have proof of the date it was received — that proof matters if the deadline you set becomes an issue in court. PostPal can mail your letter by registered mail with Canada Post and give you the tracking and proof of delivery.
How long should I give them to pay?
Most demand letters give 10 to 14 days from the date of the letter. Set a specific calendar deadline rather than a vague "as soon as possible", and state clearly that you will file in the Small Claims Division, Court of Québec if payment is not received by then.
More mise en demeure templates for other provinces
Not in Quebec? See the general mise en demeure template.
Legal facts verified against official sources on September 2, 2026: quebec.ca.
This template is provided for convenience only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Court limits and rules change — confirm anything time-sensitive on the official page, and consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.