How to Use the Small Claims Court
What is the Small Claims Court?
The Small Claims Court is not actually a court itself – it is a process for handling smaller claims in a County Court.
When can you use the Small Claims Court?
The Small Claims Court is available to private individuals and businesses that are owed money and have not been able to obtain the money by other means.
Generally you can make a claim in the Small Claims Court for:
- Money owed
- Road traffic accidents
- Personal injury
- Property damage
- Poor workmanship
- Faulty goods
What are the monetary limits for making a small claim?
You can use the Small Claims Court to make claims for:
- Under £5,000 in England and Wales
- Under £2,000 in Northern Ireland
- Under £3,000 in Scotland
It is always advisable to seek expert legal advice if your claim is over £5,000.
What are the alternatives to using the Small Claims Court?
In all cases it is important that you have attempted to recover the money you think you are owed by all other means before approaching the County Court for help. The County Court, where your case will usually be heard, will look for evidence that you have done this before proceeding with your case.
An example would be that you have tried using the Alternative Dispute Resolution system.
Should you get legal advice?
If your claim is over £5,000 or complex, you should get legal advice from a small claims lawyer. Small claims lawyers can help prepare your application for you and can represent you in court, increasing your chances of winning your case.
If you would like to obtain legal advice on a small claim, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local small claims lawyers free of charge. So, if you would like to contact small claims lawyers please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.
- Last Updated on 06/12/2011
