Small Claims Procedure

The small claims procedure is a court procedure which provides a simple and informal way of resolving disputes. This section of the website explains the sort of cases that are likely to be dealt with in the small claims procedure and how the cases will be handled.

As a general guide to the small claims process you should read the claimant section of the website. In order to help you find the information you require, at whatever stage of the proceedings you are, the information has been divided up into the sections listed below. Use the link to go directly to the information you require.

Information for defendants

• A claim has be made against me, what should I do?
• Paying my judgment.
• I cannot pay my judgment, what do I do?
• I have received a charging order, what is it?
• I am coming to a court hearing, what do I need to know?
• Registered Judgments, what does this mean?

Please remember that this section of the website can only provide you with a general idea of what is likely to happen. The website cannot explain everything about court rules, costs and procedures which may affect different claims in different ways. Court staff can provide you with information, tell you about court forms and procedures, but they cannot give you legal advice or answer questions like will the claimant win the case? what evidence do I need? You should seek legal advice from an advocate.