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Make a court claim for money (small claims)
If a person or business owes you money, you can claim it through the county court in England and Wales. Scotland uses 'simple procedure' at the sheriff court and Northern Ireland has its own small claims process.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: make a court claim for money www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money | England, Wales |
| mygov.scot: make a court claim for money www.mygov.scot/court-claim-money | Scotland |
| nidirect: small claims process www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/small-claims-process | Northern Ireland |
| nidirect: recover debts owed to you www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recover-debts-owed-you | Northern Ireland |
Step by step
- Try to settle first. Mediation can be quicker and cheaper than going to court.
- Work out exactly how much you are owed and, if you want, the interest.
- England and Wales: claim online, or by post with form N1 if you cannot use the online service. You can apply for help with fees if you have a low income.
- The other side (the 'defendant') must respond by a date the court gives. If they do not respond or refuse to pay, ask the court for a judgment.
- Scotland: use simple procedure for most smaller claims. Northern Ireland: follow the small claims process through the Civil Processing Centre.
What you need
- Name, address and email of the person or business you are claiming against
- The amount claimed and how you worked out any interest
- Evidence of the debt, such as invoices, contracts or messages
- A debit or credit card, or your help with fees reference number
Common mistakes
- Claiming online when the defendant has no address in England or Wales. Use the paper form or the right nation's court.
- Leaving the amount blank on the paper form. You then pay the highest fee.
- Not telling the defendant once they have paid you.