Small claims and the civil court
How to take someone to court without a lawyer
Step-by-step help to understand how to sue somone for unpaid debt, a broken contract, consumer problems, or personal injury (including road traffic accidents) - and how to decide if that is really a good idea.
The information in this section applies to England and Wales.
Last updated: April 2026
I want to take someone to court
Should I sue someone? Help to decide whether to take legal action
This guide walks you through the key questions to help you decide whether you should take someone to court or whether it might not be worth it. If you are thinking of starting a case, read this first.
Sort out your legal problem before or instead of going to court
Our easy to follow guide explains what your other options might be for resolving the issue and how to use them effectively. Including how to complain, negotiate, use mediation or arbitration services, or complain to an Ombudsman.
How to use civil mediation
Understand what civil mediation is, how it works, and whether it might help you solve your legal problem more quickly, cheaply, and easily than going to court. You can use mediation before you start a court case or after one has started.
Preparing to take someone to court
Who to sue? How to name the right defendant
Every year, people have to pay another fee because they incorrectly named the defendant or used the wrong title for the business. Learn how to identify the right defendant to take to court and avoid common pitfalls.
Find out if the defendant is worth suing
There’s no point starting a case against a person or organisation with no money or assets. Save yourself hassle by making sure they could pay you if you win. Here’s how.
How long do you have to sue someone? Time limits explained
Understand the limitation periods (time limits for starting a claim) for contract, negligence and personal injury claims in the small claims or fast track.
What evidence do you need?
Learn what evidence you will need to prove your case in a civil claim and what you need to do with it. It also explains why you should gather it as soon as possible and what to do to ensure it is not lost.
Legal costs and who pays them
Everything you need to know about the fees solicitors charge for their work and who pays them at the end of the case. As well as how to keep your legal costs to a minimum.
Pre-action protocols - What you need to know before starting a civil claim
Help to understand the pre-action protocols. These are processes you must follow before you start a case, even if you do not have a lawyer.
How to take a claim - at a glance
This table provides a quick way of checking your understanding and what you need to do and expect for claims about debt and broken contracts, negligence, or personal injury.
I want to start a small claim or fast track claim
How to start a small claim or fast track claim
Explains how you start a claim using the N1 form or the online money claims service (OCMC), and what information to put where so that you start your case correctly. No need for a lawyer.
After you start a small claim or fast track claim
Understand court procedures, what to do with the 'pre-trial checklist', how to prepare a 'chronology', what to do if one of you doesn't obey the court's instructions.
Make a small claim about injuries caused in a car accident
Understand court procedures, what to do with the 'pre-trial checklist', how to prepare a 'chronology', what to do if one of you doesn't obey the court's instructions.
Help with court fees in a civil case
If you are on a low income, check if you are eligible for a discount or not have to pay a court fee at all.
How to take someone to civil court - the process
This guide gives you an overall picture of what is involved in a typical case, explaining what you each need to do at each stage.
Help during the case
Witness statements and expert reports in a small claim or fast track case
Everything you need to know about witness statements and expert reports in a small claim or fast-track claim – when you need one, what you should put in it and how you should lay it out.
How to settle the case
How to make an offer to settle and what to do if the 'other side' suggests a settlement. If you don't accept a reasonable offer it can cost you. Understand "without prejudice" offers, Part 36 offers, and the risks of rejecting a settlement.
How to ask a civil court to do something or change something (interim applications)
Understand how to ask the court to do something before the trial, change some of the details of your case, ask to change the timetable, or ask the court to set aside a judgment (because you were taken to court without your knowledge).
What will happen at the hearings in your case?
Understand what happens at the different hearings, when to speak, and how to do cross-examination. Free help to represent yourself at the trial effectively.
How to prepare a trial bundle and index
Understand the rules for creating a trial bundle and index of all the evidence for a fast track case. You will not need to prepare a bundle in a small claim.
Going to court when the other side has a lawyer and you don't
Understand how going to court works and what to expect, and practical tips on how to prepare for court and make your case as well as you can.
After the judgment
How to appeal a decision
What to do if you need to appeal a decision made by a judge in a small claim or fast-track claim. Also explains what you need to think carefully about before you decide to appeal as it can turn out to be a very expensive mistake.
How to enforce a county court judgement
If you have a CCJ saying someone owes you money because you won your case, this guide is for you. It explains how to work out if it is worth asking the court to enforce the order/collect the debt, and how to go about doing that..
Thanks
Thanks to everyone who helped us make this lovely content and particularly to the Ministry of Justice and Bar Standards Board who funded it.
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