Can I be required to answer questions about my finances after a judgment is entered against me in Ontario?

Yes. Once a judgment is entered against you in Ontario, the judgment creditor can serve you with a Notice of Examination requiring you to attend court and answer questions about your financial situation under oath. In Small Claims Court, this is called an examination of a judgment debtor; in the Superior Court, it is sometimes called an examination in aid of execution or a judgment debtor examination.

At the examination, you can be asked about your employer and income, bank accounts and financial institutions, real property and vehicles you own, investments, RRSPs, pension entitlements, life insurance policies with cash surrender value, and any amounts owed to you by others. You can also be asked about recent transfers of property — particularly transfers made to family members or related parties — to determine whether assets were moved to avoid collection.

You are required to answer truthfully and produce any documents requested (such as bank statements, pay stubs, or property records). Deliberately providing false information under oath could expose you to perjury charges. Failing to attend the examination after being properly served can result in contempt of court proceedings.

Many debtors find the examination a catalyst for reaching a payment arrangement — a formal plan to pay the judgment over time. If you have been served with an examination notice, speaking with a lawyer before the examination date helps you understand your rights, what you must disclose, and whether a negotiated settlement might be preferable to appearing.