Start My Claim vs a solicitor vs Citizens Advice: small claims help compared

Yes, Citizens Advice can help with a small claim: it gives free, independent advice about consumer and money disputes, including whether a claim is worth bringing. The court’s own mediation service is also free, and the small claims track has simpler procedures, so you can often do it yourself and pay only court fees. A solicitor is worth considering for complex or borderline claims; Start My Claim is fixed-price software to help you prepare your own claim, not legal advice.

Do I need a solicitor for the small claims court?

Often not. The small claims track has simpler procedures, and the rules generally stop you recovering legal costs from the other side even if you win (Civil Procedure Rules, rule 27.14). A solicitor can still help with a complex or borderline claim.

Can Citizens Advice help with a small claim?

Citizens Advice gives free, independent advice about consumer and money disputes and how the small claims process works. It can help you decide whether to claim. Check what your local service can offer.

Is legal aid available for a small claim?

GOV.UK lists the problems legal aid can help with, such as losing your home or serious disrepair. An ordinary consumer or money claim is not on that list, so most people pay their own way or do it themselves.

How much does it cost to go to the small claims court?

Is Start My Claim legal advice?

No. Start My Claim is not a law firm and does not give legal advice or represent you. It helps you prepare your own claim. For advice on your particular situation, speak to Citizens Advice or a solicitor.

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Start My Claim vs a solicitor vs Citizens Advice: small claims help compared

Small claims help compared: what does each option do, and what does it cost?

Can Citizens Advice help with a small claims court case?

Yes. Citizens Advice gives free, independent advice about consumer and money disputes and how the small claims process works, and it can help you decide whether to claim. Check what your local service can offer.

It sits alongside the other free steps in the table above, such as the court’s mediation service and your card provider. If you want a solicitor to advise on the strength of your claim or speak for you, see “When is a solicitor the better choice?” below.

How much does it cost to take someone to small claims court?

Is there a free mediation service for small claims?

Yes. HMCTS small claims mediation is free: a court mediator speaks to each side by phone to help you agree a settlement. It applies to disputed claims of £10,000 or less, so every disputed small claim reaches this step.

When is a solicitor the better choice?

• the facts or the law are disputed in a complicated way, for example building work or professional services;
• the claim may be worth more than £10,000, which would take it off the small claims track, where the costs rules are different;
• the other side has made a counterclaim against you;
• you think the limitation period may have run out or is close;
• you need someone to negotiate or speak for you.

Check first whether an insurance policy you already hold includes legal expenses cover.

What Start My Claim does, and does not, do

Start My Claim helps you check whether you have a claim, work out interest, write a letter before action and prepare the N1 claim form and particulars of claim. Small Claims Preparation is £49 and SC Full Case is £119, one-off. Court fees are paid to the court separately.

It does not give legal advice about your individual case and does not represent you at mediation or at a hearing.

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