Question 1

What is the small claims court?

Accepted Answer

The small claims track is part of the County Court that handles claims up to £10,000. It is designed to be accessible without a solicitor, with simplified procedures and limited costs recovery. Most debt claims under £10,000 are allocated to this track.

Question 2

How much can I claim in small claims court?

Accepted Answer

The small claims track handles debt claims up to £10,000. If you are owed more than £10,000, you can still use Garfield but only if you are willing to limit your claim to £10,000. We generally recommend you do not limit your claim in this way. Higher value claims go to the fast track or multi-track.

Question 3

Do I need a solicitor for small claims court?

Accepted Answer

No. The small claims track is specifically designed for litigants in person - people representing themselves. The procedures are simplified and Garfield guides you through every step, from issuing your claim to attending the hearing.

Question 4

How much does it cost to issue a small claims court claim?

Accepted Answer

Court fees depend on the claim value: £35 for claims up to £300, £50 for £300.01-£500, £70 for £500.01-£1,000, £80 for £1,000.01-£1,500, £115 for £1,500.01-£3,000, £205 for £3,000.01-£5,000, and £455 for £5,000.01-£10,000. These court fees are recoverable from the debtor if you prevail. Garfield's fees are separate.

Question 5

Can I recover my costs if I win?

Accepted Answer

In small claims, costs recovery is limited. You can recover the court fee and Garfield's fixed costs for certain stages, but not general legal costs.

Question 6

What happens after I issue my claim?

Accepted Answer

The court serves your claim on the defendant, who has 14 days to respond (or 28 if they file an acknowledgment of service). If they do not respond, you can request default judgment. Garfield can prepare an application for default judgment for you, if you wish. If they defend, the court allocates the case and sets a hearing date.

Question 7

What if the defendant defends my claim?

Accepted Answer

If the defendant files a defence, the court will allocate your case to the small claims track (assuming it qualifies) and list it for a hearing. Garfield prepares your response to the defence, helps you with allocation, prepares the trial bundle, and a skeleton argument.

Question 8

Do I have to attend court in person?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, though some hearings can be conducted by telephone or video. Small claims hearings are informal - the judge asks questions directly and does not expect formal advocacy. Garfield prepares everything you need to present your case.

Question 9

How long does the small claims process take?

Accepted Answer

Undefended claims can result in judgment within 6-8 weeks. Defended claims typically take 6-12 months to reach a hearing, depending on court availability. Only about 2% of all small debt claims get to a hearing - the majority are paid or settled long beforehand. Garfield tracks all deadlines and keeps your case moving.

Question 10

What if the defendant does not pay after I win?

Accepted Answer

A judgment does not guarantee payment. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you can use enforcement options such as bailiff enforcement, attachment of earnings, or charging orders.

Question 11

Can the defendant make a counterclaim against me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, defendants can file counterclaims. If the total value (claim plus counterclaim) stays under £10,000, the case usually remains in small claims. Garfield helps you respond to counterclaims and defend your position.

Question 12

What evidence do I need for court?

Accepted Answer

You need documents proving the debt exists and is owed - typically contracts, invoices, delivery notes, and correspondence. Garfield helps you organise your evidence into a trial bundle that meets court requirements.


Feature	With Garfield AI	With a lawyer	By yourself
Legal expertise	YesLegal expertise	Yes	No
Connect accounting software	YesConnect accounting software	No	No
Bulk create claims	YesBulk create claims	No	No
5 minutes per document	Yes5 minutes per document	Wait days for documents	At your own pace
Recover money faster	YesRecover money faster	No	No
Low fees	YesLow fees	Hundreds of £ per hour	Pay with your own time
Available 7 days a week	YesAvailable 7 days a week	No	Yes


Feature	With Garfield AI	With a lawyer	By yourself
Legal expertise	YesLegal expertise	Yes	No
Connect accounting software	YesConnect accounting software	No	No
Bulk create claims	YesBulk create claims	No	No
5 minutes per document	Yes5 minutes per document	Wait days for documents	At your own pace
Recover money faster	YesRecover money faster	No	No
Low fees	YesLow fees	Hundreds of £ per hour	Pay with your own time
Available 7 days a week	YesAvailable 7 days a week	No	Yes

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