Quebec Superior Court (Cour supérieure du Québec)

The Superior Court has jurisdiction throughout Québec and sits in all the judicial districts. It is made up of 144 judges, including a chief judge, a senior associate chief judge and an associate chief judge, all appointed by the federal government. In civil matters, the Superior Court generally hears cases in first instance where the amount at issue is at least $70,000. It has exclusive jurisdiction in family matters such as divorce, support, and child custody. Proceedings are heard in private with the parties’ names remaining confidential. It also hears applications regarding class actions and probate (homologation) of wills. The Superior Court may issue injunctions to stop certain activities (for example, it can stop construction work on property that does not belong to the person performing the work).