1. Read the order and verify the balance
Obtain the judgment and any enforcement notices. Identify the person ordered to pay, principal, interest, costs, due date and any instalment terms. Compare the creditor’s balance with payments already made. Keep bank records and receipts; ask for an explanation of any disputed addition.
Do not ignore a judgment because you cannot pay immediately. If the judgment was entered without your participation or may be legally wrong, assess default relief or appeal deadlines promptly. A request for review does not justify assuming enforcement is paused.
Official reference: Ontario: after judgment
2. Propose a realistic payment arrangement
Contact the creditor or representative using reliable details and offer specific amounts and dates. Confirm whether interest continues, how payments will be credited, what happens to enforcement while you comply and how satisfaction will be recorded. Put the agreement in writing and preserve proof of each payment.
If a court order is needed to change payment terms, use the applicable court procedure. A private proposal does not automatically change the order or bind a garnishee. Attend any financial examination or hearing as required and provide truthful information.
Official reference: Court: enforcement
3. Act on garnishment or financial hardship
A garnishment may affect wages or bank funds, but statutory exemptions and special rules apply. Social assistance, employment insurance and some pension funds can have protection; tracing and account issues may matter. Do not assume every dollar in an account is either reachable or exempt.
If you dispute the amount, ownership, exemption or hardship effect, check the procedure for a garnishment hearing promptly. Bring the order, notices, account records, income details and payment evidence. The court may consider the applicable wage exemption provisions. Obtain insolvency advice if several debts or enforcement proceedings make payment unrealistic.
Official reference: Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98
4. Keep proof when the debt is paid
Ask for written confirmation of the final balance and satisfaction. Check that the creditor completes the required termination or withdrawal of enforcement. For a garnishment, the creditor has obligations to notify the garnishee and court when paid. Follow up if deductions continue.
Keep the judgment, settlement, receipts and release or termination records together. A cleared court obligation does not mean every credit record updates automatically. Use accurate documents to address a disputed report and seek help if an enforcement step remains despite full payment.
Official reference: Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98
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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.