Going to a small claims hearing

Summary

If you need to make sure the defendant doesn't get your contact details, you can apply to the court for an order. * make sure the defendant doesn’t get your home address or any other contact details they don’t already have * stop your contact details being given to other people involved in the case - for example, a witness You’ll need to apply to the court using an official form. Talk to an adviser if you want to apply to the court - they can help you fill in the form. The court will send you the date of the hearing and instructions on what you need to do. It’s a good idea to chase the court if you haven’t heard anything a month after you made your claim. The form telling you when and where the hearing is, and how long it will last, is called a ‘notice of allocation’. You’ll get at least 21 days’ notice of the date of the hearing. You’ll also be told when you need to pay the hearing fee - unless you're getting help with court fees. If you’re busy that day, try to change your plans. If it’s something important like a hospital appointment that you can’t change, use form N244 to ask for another date. Check the notes on filling in this form. You’ll have to pay a fee of £255 unless you.

Key information

• make sure the defendant doesn’t get your home address or any other contact details they don’t already have
• stop your contact details being given to other people involved in the case - for example, a witness
• you might have to pay extra costs - for example, if you don’t provide copies of documents you might have to pay the court to copy them
• the judge could decide to delay or dismiss your claim
• you might not be able to call your witness
• put in date order the originals of your evidence to take to court - like receipts, photos of damage
• make notes of the key points if you think that will help you remember them
• let any witnesses know when they need to be at court
• tell the court if you need an interpreter - check if you can get one for free
• check with the court if you need help because of a disability
• some or all of what you claimed
• interest if the judge awards you more than £5,000 - getting interest can depend on what the court order says and if the defendant pays you in time

Practical guidance

• Source: Going to a small claims hearing

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