Small claims court uses deliberately informal procedures: hearings are held in the judge's office rather than a formal courtroom, you can speak naturally without legal terminology, and the judge takes an active role in questioning both parties. Strict deadlines apply throughout: defendants have 14 days to respond after claims are filed, witness statements must be submitted 14 days before hearings, and you have 6 years from the payment due date to file most debt and contract claims.
The "no costs" rule is fundamental in small claims: while you can recover court fees (£35-£455) and fixed legal costs (£80-£110), you cannot recover solicitor fees even if you win, which is why most people represent themselves. The court accepts various evidence types including contracts, invoices, emails, photos, and witness statements, and you must prove your case "on the balance of probabilities" rather than the higher criminal standard of "beyond reasonable doubt."
Garfield ensures compliance with all procedures by tracking deadlines automatically, preparing evidence bundles correctly, filing documents on time, and providing hearing preparation guidance, removing the complexity of managing court procedures yourself.