Small claims court guide for England & Wales
By ClaimKit UK Editorial Team ยท Updated
This page gives a high-level view of the small claims court process in England and Wales, and where a pre-action letter fits.
Who this applies to
Use this guidance if your dispute is governed by the courts of England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland follow different processes and timeframes.
Typical pre-action steps
- Gather your evidence and calculate the amount you are claiming.
- Send a clear pre-action letter with a deadline to respond.
- Consider any response or settlement offer.
If you need to issue a claim
If the other party does not respond or refuses to resolve the dispute, you can consider issuing a claim using Money Claim Online (MCOL) for England and Wales. Make sure your evidence and timeline are organised before you proceed.
Typical timelines and costs
Small claims timelines vary depending on the court and the response from the other party. Court fees may apply if you issue a claim, so it is important to keep copies of all evidence and any costs you incur. Use the court guidance for the most up-to-date fee information.
Evidence to keep
Courts rely on clear, organised evidence. Keep a file with the key documents that support your claim and show that you attempted to resolve the dispute before issuing proceedings.
- Invoices, receipts, or payment confirmations
- Messages, emails, or letters between both parties
- Photos, screenshots, or inspection reports
- Your pre-action letter and proof of posting
Keeping your evidence organised from the start saves time if the matter escalates and makes it easier to explain your position.
Explore related guidance
Browse our dispute-specific guides and comparison pages to decide the right next step.
View dispute guides | Compare your options