After filing the application with the registry of the local court, several steps will generally follow:
The registry sends a summons to Alice and Bob indicating:
- the date of the hearing; ;
- time ;
- the courtroom ;
- the procedures for submitting additional documents.
The timeframe is generally a few weeks to a few months depending on the court's backlog.
Before the hearing:
- Alice and Bob can still reach an amicable agreement; ;
- they can exchange parts and arguments; ;
- they can submit written observations to the court.
On the day of the hearing, Judge Hervé:
- verify the identity of the parties; ;
- Listen Alice; ;
- listen Bob; ;
- examine the exhibits produced; ;
- Ask questions if necessary.
The parties may represent themselves without a lawyer before the local court.
Next, the judge either renders the judgment at the hearing or reserves judgment and announces a date for the decision. After the hearing, the judge considers the case, and the judgment is rendered a few weeks later.
The judge may try to reconcile the parties' points of view before ruling on the dispute. If an agreement is reached, it can be recorded in a settlement report.
The registry then serves the judgment on the parties.
Alice and Bob take note:
- of the decision; ;
- any sums potentially granted; ;
- appeal deadlines.
If Bob voluntarily complies with the decision, the matter is settled. Otherwise, Alice may ask a judicial officer to initiate enforcement proceedings (bank account garnishment, wage garnishment, etc.).