Advice for Making a Small Claim
- Gather your evidence - brochures, letters, contracts, and other documents, records of phone conversations or visits to a shop, photos, witness statements - and work out how strong your case is.
- Find out when your local county court has small claims hearings and whether you can observe as a member of the public. This will give you a feel for how proceedings work.
- A Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to advise on how your case might fare under the small claims track.
- County court staff can advise on procedures and have a range of leaflets on going to court.
- If you don't wish to speak in court, you can ask someone to do it on your behalf - a relative, friend, advice worker, or even a solicitor if you're prepared to foot the bill.
- Read all court documents carefully. Watch for deadlines, pay fees on time, and don't get to court late - otherwise your claim could be struck out.
- Keep copies of all documents that arise as your case goes forward.
- You may be able to object to or appeal against decisions taken by officials or the judge as your case proceeds, but watch out for time limits at each stage.
