Small claims toolkit
- Clear and easy to follow
- Includes relevant documents you need
- Step-by-step guidance for making a small claim
£50+VAT
This small claims toolkit guides you through the right process to follow if you want to make a straightforward small claim against someone, and contains a pack of all of the template documents you are likely to need.
Use the small claims process to get back money you are owed for amounts less than £10,000 (for example, if a supplier has not sent you the right goods or you have not received payment from a customer).
Documents provided in this small claims toolkit include:
- letter before action (also known as a letter of claim), which must be sent to someone before you sue them to set out what you are claiming;
- witness statement, which provides a template for any witness statements you are providing to ensure they are legally compliant; and
- letter of non-attendance for small claims hearing (if you want the court to judge your case on paper evidence rather than you attending a hearing).
By using this small claims toolkit you can avoid the need to use a lawyer and maximise your chances of getting back money you are owed. It helps you avoid common mistakes that can reduce your chance of a successful claim.
Q&A
When should I use this toolkit?
You should use this small claims toolkit if you are considering making a simple claim against someone for an amount of less than £10,000. For example, you may be claiming that a supplier has not sent your goods or a customer has not paid for a product or service you have provided.
What does this toolkit cover?
This small claims toolkit includes a how-to guide, which sets out the key steps to follow if you are considering taking a small claim against someone who owes you money.
Such steps include:
- What to do before you start;
- Letter before action;
- Starting your claim;
- Next steps after submitting a claim, including compulsory mediation; and
- Going to trial.
This small claims toolkit also includes a pack of the relevant template documents you are likely to need at each step of the process.
Why do I need this toolkit?
This toolkit takes you through the process of making a small claim and provides a pack of the template documents you are likely to need.
There are particular rules you must follow when starting a small claim against someone. For example, you must write to the person you are claiming against and try to settle the matter between you. This toolkit helps you to ensure you comply with the right processes, and helps you to avoid common errors made when pursuing small claims.
Where can I find out more?
You can find detailed guidance on the small claims process, including what to do if someone makes a claim against you, at Small claims and letter before action.
You can find guidance on how to get someone to pay up once you have a County Court judgment against them at Chasing payments and enforcement.
Documents in Toolkit
How-to guide: Small claims toolkit- Letter before action
- Letter of non-attendance for small claims hearing
- Witness statement
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