Small claims and letter before action

This section deals with some common questions you should consider before bringing a A relatively low-value (less than £10,000) and simple legal claim. Small claims are generally dealt with much more quickly and simply than more serious legal disputes, and in many cases those involved can handle the dispute themself without hiring a lawyer. in court. This includes what a A relatively low-value (less than £10,000) and simple legal claim. Small claims are generally dealt with much more quickly and simply than more serious legal disputes, and in many cases those involved can handle the dispute themself without hiring a lawyer. is, the costs involved, and how much time it will take. It will help you decide whether you need a lawyer and guide you through the process of bringing or responding to a A relatively low-value (less than £10,000) and simple legal claim. Small claims are generally dealt with much more quickly and simply than more serious legal disputes, and in many cases those involved can handle the dispute themself without hiring a lawyer. yourself if you choose not to use a lawyer. This includes writing a A final warning letter before legal action is taken. Also known as a letter before claim., starting a claim, dealing with the trial process and enforcing or appealing a judgment.

Considerations before bringing a small claim

Starting a small claim against someone else

Responding to a small claim

Going to court for a small claim

Enforcing a judgment for a small claim

78.If I am successful in my small claim, how can I make sure the defendant pays me what I am owed?

Letter to the listing officer

This letter to the listing officer is to chase a response to a request you have made to adjourn a court hearing (usually using court form N244). You can use it to try and prompt the court to deal with your application before the date of your hearing, and avoid the situation where the court only gets round to considering the application to adjourn on the day of the hearing it relates to. Usually, if you cannot attend a hearing and do not make visible efforts to get it adjourned, the judge is likely to deal with the matter in your absence and will be much more likely to make a finding against you as a result. It is well worth chasing the court to encourage them to deal with your request to adjourn in advance.

£10 + VAT

Letter before action

This letter before action (also known as a letter of claim) is designed to help if you: want to threaten to sue another business that owes you money; or want to sue an individual who owes you money (it is suitable for a straightforward debt claim against a consumer or a sole trader who has failed to pay your invoices); or are thinking of suing a person or business for anything other than money they owe you. For example, if a supplier sent you the wrong items, or a courier service that you use damaged some of your goods in transit, you might want to sue them for compensation. You must usually write a letter before action or letter of claim to warn the person that you intend to start a legal claim against them, and give them an opportunity to explain themselves or settle the matter with you, eg by paying up. It gives the other business fair warning of your intentions and increases your chances of getting paid or getting a remedy without having to resort to expensive legal action. If you don’t send a formal letter before action to the other side before starting a claim, you run the risk of being penalised by the court if you do go on to make a claim. For example, you might not be allowed to get your legal costs paid by the other side even if you win. You can also purchase this document as part of the Small claims toolkit .

£20 + VAT

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