Court Procedures
7 min read
07/01/2025
Legal Brain Team
Small Claims Court
Simple court procedure for disputes up to £10,000
Table of Contents
What is it?
The small claims track is a simplified court procedure designed for straightforward disputes involving amounts up to £10,000 (£1,000 for personal injury claims).
Key Points
- 1Designed for disputes up to £10,000
- 2No need for legal representation
- 3Lower costs and simplified procedures
- 4Informal hearings
- 5Winner usually recovers court fees
Typical Process
1
Try to resolve the dispute directly with the other party
2
Complete claim form N1 online or by post
3
Pay the court fee based on claim amount
4
Court serves the claim on the defendant
5
Defendant has 14 days to respond
6
Attend hearing if case is not settled
7
Judge makes decision on the day
Common Examples
- •Unpaid invoices for goods or services
- •Faulty goods not refunded by retailer
- •Poor workmanship by tradesperson
- •Return of deposits
- •Minor accident damage claims
- •Cancelled holiday compensation
Related Laws & Regulations
Civil Procedure Rules Part 27
Practice Direction 27A
Courts and Tribunals Service procedures
Civil Procedure Act 1997
When to Seek Professional Help
- ⚠Claim is complex or involves legal interpretation
- ⚠Significant amounts of money are involved
- ⚠Multiple parties are involved
- ⚠You're not confident representing yourself
- ⚠Other party has legal representation
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