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.

The 9 stages of a small claim

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