Trial bundle

The single, paginated set of documents both sides and the judge work from at a small claims or fast track hearing — get the organisation wrong and even strong evidence can be hard for anyone to find on the day.

Who is responsible for preparing the trial bundle?

In most small claims and fast track cases, the claimant is responsible for preparing and filing the bundle, though the court's directions for your specific case will confirm this and set the deadline. If directions are silent, it is safest to check with the court rather than assume.

What happens if I don't file a bundle, or file it late?

A missing or late bundle can delay the hearing, and in some cases the judge may proceed without documents that were not properly included, which can weaken your ability to refer to evidence you did not file in time. Courts generally expect the bundle to be filed and served within the timescale set out in directions.

Do I need to include every document I have?

No. The bundle should include only documents that are relevant to the issues in dispute — core documents such as the claim form, defence, key correspondence, and evidence you intend to rely on. Padding it with irrelevant material makes it harder for the judge to find what matters.

Does the other side get to see the bundle before the hearing?

Yes. The bundle is normally filed with the court and served on the other party in advance, so both sides and the judge are working from the same set of paginated documents on the day.

How should the bundle be organised?

Directions typically require a single continuously paginated bundle with an index at the front, documents in a logical order, usually chronological, and tabs or dividers between sections. Some courts have local practice notes with more specific formatting requirements, so it is worth checking before you prepare it.

Can I bring extra documents to the hearing that aren't in the bundle?

Generally no, unless the judge gives permission on the day. Directions exist precisely so both sides and the court know what evidence will be considered in advance — introducing new documents at the hearing itself can be refused or cause delay.

Why a well-organised bundle matters

Small claims and fast track hearings are often relatively short, sometimes lasting under an hour. A judge who has to search through unpaginated, disorganised paperwork to find the one document that matters loses time that could otherwise go to actually hearing the case. A clear, well-indexed bundle lets everyone — the judge, you, and the other side — refer to "page 14" or "tab 3" and know exactly what is being discussed.

Directions issued after allocation to a track will normally set out who prepares the bundle, by when, and roughly what it should contain. Following those directions closely matters more than following any general template, since requirements can vary between courts.

What a typical bundle contains

• A single page listing every document in the bundle with its page number, so anyone can navigate it quickly.
• The claim form, particulars of claim, defence, and any reply, usually in that order.
• Each party's evidence, generally grouped by who filed it.
• Key documents and correspondence.
• Contracts, invoices, photographs, the Letter Before Action, and any other evidence relied on, usually in date order.

A claimant in a small claims dispute over building work is directed to file a trial bundle 14 days before the hearing. They compile the claim form, defence, three witness statements, an invoice, photographs of the work, and the original quote, totalling 62 pages, paginated continuously with a one-page index at the front.

At the hearing, the judge refers to "page 41" when asking about a specific photograph. Because the bundle is properly organised and both sides have identical copies, everyone in the room can turn to the same page immediately, rather than losing time working out which document is being discussed.

Directions questionnaire (N180)

Civil Procedure Rules, Part 39

Make a court claim for money

Trial Bundle — Small Claims Glossary

What a trial bundle is, who prepares it, what it should contain, and how to organise one for a small claims or fast track hearing.