It is designed for non-complicated claims of less than £5,000
(or £1,000 in personal injury cases)

There will be an informal hearing before a judge
The usual rules of evidence do not apply, you will not be under oath and limited time is allowed (usually not more than a day)

A solicitor is not required
Although you can have one if you wish. But you will have to pay his fees yourself, even if you win

You obtain a form N1 from the county court.

You fill it in, make copies (for the court and for each defendant) and take it back to the court. It will be issued (sent to the defendant). You will be required to pay the issue fee (which will vary, depending on the size of your claim, between £30 and £120).

If the defendant doesn't reply within 14 days, or if he admits your claim, you will get judgment in your favour.

If the defendant disputes your claim you will receive a copy of his defence together with a court form for you to fill in. On the basis of this form the judge will allocate the case to the small claims track if he thinks it appropriate. There are some rules that can have an adverse effect upon your position if you have issued proceedings and later look to abandon your claim.

You will receive a form telling you when the hearing will be, how much time is allowed for it and what you need to do, e.g. send copies of all documents to the court and to the defendant. You will now pay another fee (£80). (In some cases the judge may decide that no hearing is necessary and will make his decision from the paperwork, but mostly there will be a hearing.)

You attend the hearing and put your case (and the defendant puts his). You can have someone to speak for you, e.g. a solicitor or lay-person, but you will have to pay their fee yourself. You may have witnesses or experts speak only if the judge has agreed.

At the end of the hearing the judge will make his decision.

You can only appeal if the judge gives his permission.

Court fees — issue fee between £30 and £120

If your claim is over £1500, fee for allocation to track of £100

Fees for experts

Fee for solicitor or other representative

Court fees paid by you

Up to £50 per day for you and each witness for loss of earnings

Travelling and overnight expenses

Expert's fees (up to a maximum of £200)

You may recover some costs for your legal adviser, although these are limited