Case management conference

A hearing where the court sets the timetable and rules for how your case will run — less common in small claims, but a real possibility if your claim is more complex.

Will my small claim have a case management conference?

Most will not. Small claims track cases are usually managed through standard written directions rather than a separate hearing. A CMC becomes more likely if your case is reallocated to the fast track or multi-track.

Do I have to attend a CMC in person?

Many CMCs, particularly for lower-value fast track claims, are conducted by telephone or video rather than in person, though this depends on the court and the nature of the case.

What should I prepare before a CMC?

A short written summary of the issues in dispute, a note of what directions you think are needed (such as deadlines for evidence), and an honest view of how long you realistically need to comply with each step.

Can directions set at a CMC be changed later?

Yes, by agreement between the parties in some circumstances, or by applying to the court, though the court will want a good reason, particularly if a change would affect the trial date.

What happens if I miss a deadline set at a CMC?

The other side can apply for sanctions, including an unless order, or in serious cases ask the court to strike out your claim or defence. It is best to apply for an extension before a deadline passes rather than after.

Case management conference

Small Claims · Glossary

Case management conference

A hearing where the court sets the timetable and rules for how your case will run — less common in small claims, but a real possibility if your claim is more complex.

Last reviewed: August 2026

case management conference

(CMC) is a hearing, often held by telephone or video, at which the court gives directions setting out the steps and deadlines the parties must follow before trial — such as disclosure, witness statements, and expert evidence.

Where this comes from

Civil Procedure Rules, Part 28

— directions and case management on the fast track.

Civil Procedure Rules, Part 29

— case management on the multi-track, including case management conferences.

Practice Direction 26

— how the court allocates a claim to a track after the defence is filed.

Why small claims usually skip this step

Most small claims track cases — broadly those worth up to £10,000 — are managed on paper. The court sends standard directions after allocation, setting deadlines for exchanging documents and evidence, and the case proceeds straight to a small claims hearing without a separate case management hearing in between.

A case management conference becomes more likely once a claim is allocated to the fast track or multi-track instead — typically because the value is higher, the case is more complex, or it involves multiple issues or parties that the court decides need active management before trial. If your small claim grows in value or complexity, or is defended in a way that raises complicated issues, the court can allocate it to a different track and a CMC may follow.

What happens at a CMC

• Both sides usually file a short case summary before the hearing, setting out the issues in dispute and what directions they are asking for.
• The judge decides the timetable for the rest of the case — deadlines for disclosure, witness statements, expert evidence if needed, and a trial window.
• Case management issues are resolved.
• Any disputes about how the case should proceed — for example, whether expert evidence is needed, or how many witnesses each side can call — are usually decided at this hearing.
• A trial date or window is fixed.
• Once the directions are set, the court estimates how long the trial will take and lists it, or a window for listing.

How it works in practice

A claim starts on the small claims track but the defendant's response raises a technical dispute that the court decides is unsuitable for the simplified small claims process. The claim is reallocated to the fast track, and both parties are ordered to attend a case management conference by telephone.

At the hearing, the judge sets a timetable: disclosure of documents within 21 days, exchange of witness statements within 8 weeks, and a trial window in four months' time. The judge also decides that no expert evidence is needed, since the dispute turns on what was agreed between the parties rather than a technical assessment.

From this point, the case proceeds according to the directions set at the CMC, rather than the simpler paper-based process used for most small claims.

• Not filing a case summary in time.
• Courts usually expect a short summary of the issues before the CMC — turning up without one can put you at a disadvantage in the discussion about directions.
• Treating directions as suggestions.
• Deadlines set at a CMC are court orders. Missing them can lead to an unless order or other sanctions later.
• Underestimating how long the case will now take.
• Reallocation away from the small claims track usually means a longer, more procedurally involved case — and, importantly, it also usually means the costs protection of the small claims track no longer applies.
• Not asking questions at the hearing.
• A CMC is your opportunity to raise practical concerns about the timetable — for example, if a proposed deadline does not give you enough time to gather evidence.

The general term for a hearing where the court sets the case timetable.

Why leaving the small claims track changes the costs risk in your case.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & further reading

• Civil Procedure Rules, Part 28 — fast track
• Civil Procedure Rules, Part 29 — multi-track
• Make a court claim for money

Case getting more complicated than expected?

Start My Claim helps you track directions, deadlines and evidence, whichever track your claim ends up on.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

References checked against the sources above as in force on 10 August 2026.

This page is explanatory only and is not legal advice. Start My Claim is self-service software, not a law firm — its tools help you build and run your own case.