Small claims court is the part of the English and Welsh legal system designed for everyday disputes worth up to £10,000. It's deliberately informal and simple, so you don't need a solicitor: most people represent themselves.
What it's for
Small claims court handles straightforward disputes like:
- Unpaid invoices or debts
- Breach of contract
- Faulty goods or services
- Disputes with tradespeople or contractors
- Money owed from loans
If you're owed money and the other person won't pay, this is usually where you'll end up.
How it works
1. You file a claim Online or by post. Costs £35-£455 depending on how much you're claiming.
2. The defendant has 14 days to respond They can pay, admit the debt, dispute it, or ignore it.
3. If they defend, you go to a hearing Informal meeting with a district judge in their office (not a courtroom). You present your evidence and the judge decides.
4. You get a judgment If you win, the judge orders them to pay. You also get your court fees back.
How long does it take?
- If they don't respond: 4-6 weeks (default judgment)
- If they defend: 4-6 months (includes hearing)
Success rates
About 70% of claimants win their cases.
If you have good evidence (contracts, invoices, correspondence), your chances are strong.
Do I need a solicitor?
No. The process is designed for non-lawyers. In fact, even if you hire a solicitor, you can't recover their fees in small claims court: you'd pay them out of pocket even if you win.
Most people represent themselves.
How Garfield helps
Garfield automates the small claims process for you:
- Files claims electronically
- Handles all paperwork and deadlines
- Prepares hearing documents
- Tracks responses and court dates
You get professional-quality court claims without needing a solicitor, and at a fraction of traditional legal costs.