How do I start a small claim?

1. Check if your case qualifies for a small claim

• Small claims are usually for disputes involving up to £10,000 (or up to £1,000 for personal injury or housing disrepair claims).

• Common types of claims include unpaid invoices, faulty goods, deposit disputes, and minor contract breaches.

2. Try to resolve the dispute informally

• Before going to court, it's best to try negotiating or mediating with the other party.

• Send a formal letter of claim (sometimes called a "letter before action") explaining your issue, what you want, and giving them a deadline to respond (usually 14 days).

3. Prepare your claim

• Collect all relevant evidence: contracts, invoices, receipts, emails, photos, and any correspondence.

• Work out exactly how much money you are claiming and why.

4. Start the claim online or by post

• You can start a small claim using the Money Claim Online (MCOL) service if you are in England or Wales.

  • Website: Money Claim Online

• Alternatively, you can complete a Claim Form (N1) and submit it to your local county court.

• You will need to pay a court fee, which depends on the amount you are claiming (usually between £25 and £455).

5. Complete the claim form

• Provide details of the defendant (the person/business you are claiming against).

• Clearly state what you want (the amount of money, any interest, or costs).

• Attach any supporting documents.

6. Serve the claim

• The court will serve the claim form on the defendant.

• The defendant has 14 days to respond: either pay, admit the claim, dispute it, or request more time.

7. If the defendant disputes the claim

• The case may proceed to a hearing where you both present your evidence.

• You can represent yourself or hire a solicitor, but usually, small claims are designed to be simple enough to do yourself.

8. If you win the case

• The court will issue a judgment in your favor.

• If the defendant does not pay, you may need to take further steps to enforce the judgment.