How do I use the small claims court?

The small claims track is the part of the County Court in England and Wales that handles straightforward civil money claims up to £10,000 (or personal injury and housing disrepair claims up to £1,500). It is designed to be accessible without a lawyer, uses simplified procedures, and limits the costs that can be recovered by either side (so winning a case does not usually mean you can recover solicitors' costs). To start a claim, you can use Money Claim Online (MCOL) at www.moneyclaimentitle.gov.uk for straightforward money claims, or complete a paper Form N1 and file it at your local County Court hearing centre. You will need to pay a court fee, which is calculated on a sliding scale based on the value of your claim (for example, a claim of £1,500 currently costs £105, rising to £455 for a £10,000 claim). Reduced fees apply if you are on a low income via the Help with Fees scheme (Form EX160). Once you issue the claim, the defendant is served with the claim form and has 14 days to respond. If they admit the claim, the money can be recovered. If they defend it, the court allocates the claim to the small claims track and usually lists a hearing. Hearings are informal, evidence is exchanged in advance, and the judge decides the outcome. It is worth trying to resolve the dispute through mediation before issuing — courts offer a free Small Claims Mediation Service.