Start My Claim
A complete walkthrough of the small claims court process in England & Wales — from sending your Letter Before Action to enforcing a judgment. Typical timescales, fees, and what to expect.
Check you have a valid claim
Confirm the amount is £10,000 or less (£1,000 for personal injury). Gather basic evidence: contract, invoices, correspondence, photos.
Send a Letter Before Action (LBA)
Write to the defendant giving 14 days to pay or respond. This is a pre-action protocol requirement — courts expect it and will ask whether you sent one.
File online via Money Claim Online (MCOL) or use an N1 form at your local county court. Pay the court fee (£35–£455 depending on claim size).
The defendant has 14 days to acknowledge and 28 days to file a defence. If they don't respond, you can apply for a default judgment.
Directions questionnaire
Both parties complete a Directions Questionnaire (DQ). You'll confirm hearing details, witnesses, and documents. The court allocates the case to the small claims track.
Gather all evidence: invoices, photos, messages, receipts, expert quotes. Write a clear witness statement setting out the facts chronologically.
Hearings are informal but formal. The judge reads both parties' statements and asks questions. You don't need a barrister — most claimants represent themselves.
Receive the judgment
The judge usually gives judgment immediately. They'll order payment, a payment plan, or dismiss the claim. You'll receive a written order.
If the defendant doesn't pay, you can enforce: High Court Writ of Control, County Court Bailiff, Charging Order, or Attachment of Earnings.
How to make a small claims court claim in England and Wales
The complete step-by-step process for making a small claims court claim, from Letter Before Action to enforcing a judgment.
Confirm the amount is £10,000 or less (£1,000 for personal injury). Gather basic evidence: contract, invoices, correspondence, and photographs.
Send a Letter Before Action
Write to the defendant giving 14 days to pay or respond. Courts expect this pre-action step and will ask whether you sent one.
Issue the claim via Money Claim Online
File online via MCOL or use an N1 form at your local county court. Pay the court fee (£35 to £455 depending on claim size).
Wait for the defendant to respond
The defendant has 14 days to acknowledge and 28 days to file a defence. If they do not respond, apply for a default judgment.
Complete the Directions Questionnaire
Both parties complete a DQ confirming hearing details, witnesses, and documents. The court allocates the case to the small claims track.
Gather all evidence and write a witness statement setting out the facts chronologically. File and serve your evidence bundle before the deadline.
Hearings are informal. The judge reads both statements and asks questions. You can represent yourself.
The judge usually gives judgment the same day. You will receive a written order.
Enforce the judgment if needed
If the defendant does not pay, enforce via High Court Writ of Control, County Court Bailiff, Charging Order, or Attachment of Earnings.
The 9 stages of a small claim
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| LBA response period | 14 days |
| Claim issued to defence filed | 14–28 days |
| Defence to hearing date | 10–20 weeks |
| Total: issue to judgment | 3–9 months |
| Enforcement (if needed) | 4–12 weeks additional |
Times are for England & Wales county courts. Backlogs vary by court and by claim complexity.
Letter Before Action template
Unpaid invoice claims
Small claims resources hub