Small Claims Court
An informal track within the county court for claims of £10,000 or less in England and Wales. Designed for individuals to represent themselves without a solicitor. The losing side does not normally pay the winner's legal costs. Claims can be issued online through Money Claims Online. The court fee depends on the claim amount.
The small claims track handles most money claims up to £10,000 and personal injury or housing disrepair claims up to £1,500 in England and Wales. Court fees are calculated as a percentage of the claim value — for example, a £3,000 claim costs £205 to issue. From May 2024, most small claims must go through a free mandatory telephone mediation session before a hearing is listed. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a judge. Hearings are informal: no wigs, gowns, or strict rules of evidence. The 'no costs' rule means that even if you win, you generally cannot recover your legal fees — only fixed costs such as the court fee, travel expenses, and expert fees up to £750. Claims can be issued on the HMCTS Money Claims Online service (for claims up to £25,000) or via form N1 at a county court. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate small claims procedures.
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