1. Start with an accurate balance and payment request
A judgment establishes an obligation; the court does not automatically find assets or collect the money. Check the order for payment dates, instalments and any stay. Send a clear request with the balance, permitted interest, costs already awarded and a payment method. Credit every payment promptly.
Choose proportionate enforcement based on information you lawfully hold about the debtor’s employment, bank or property. Consider competing creditors and insolvency. Do not threaten arrest for ordinary non-payment, enter premises or take belongings yourself. Bankruptcy or a proposal can affect collection and may require specialist advice.
Official reference: Court: enforcement
2. Learn about the debtor’s finances
A court-ordered examination can require a debtor or other appropriate person to answer relevant financial questions. Notice of Examination, Form 20H, and Financial Information Form, Form 20I, are among the relevant forms. Check the complete issuance, service, document and filing requirements before setting the examination.
Ask focused questions about income, assets, debts and ability to pay. Keep information secure and use it only for a lawful purpose. Failure to attend or comply is addressed through the court’s procedures, not private punishment.
Official reference: Ontario: after judgment
3. Compare garnishment and writs
Garnishment can reach qualifying money a third party owes the debtor, such as certain wages or bank funds. Relevant forms include the Affidavit for Enforcement Request (20P) and Notice of Garnishment (20E). You need the correct garnishee and proper service. Wage limits, exempt benefits, joint ownership and special government rules may restrict what can be reached.
Writs include seizure and sale of personal property (20C), seizure and sale of land (20D), and delivery of property where ordered (20B). Enforcement-office procedures, fees, deposits, exemptions, ownership and priority issues matter. A land writ does not mean a house will be sold immediately. Request current forms and practical requirements from the court or enforcement office.
Official reference: Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98
4. Track renewals, disputes and satisfaction
The ordinary process for issuing a garnishment or relevant writ more than six years after the order may require a motion. Garnishments and seizure-and-sale writs have six-year life and renewal provisions; they are not permanent without attention. Renewal procedures differ—check Form 20E.1 for garnishment and Form 20N for the relevant writ. Do not confuse these procedural periods with a blanket six-year expiry of the judgment.
Respond to a garnishment hearing or objection, update the balance and stop collection when satisfied. For a paid garnishment, promptly complete the required termination notice, including Form 20R as applicable. Withdraw or discharge other enforcement as required and provide written payment confirmation. Keep a ledger so overlapping methods never collect more than the lawful amount.
Official reference: Official Small Claims Court forms
Your next-step checklist
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General information for Ontario, not advice about your case. Legislation, court orders and current court directions govern. Get help with your situation.