How to settle a civil claim

Summary

Learn how to settle a claim out of court, saving money and stress. Understand "without prejudice" offers, Part 36 offers, and the risks of rejecting a settlement. The information in this guide applies to England and Wales. 1 Is this guide for you? 2 How and when to settle a claim? 3 What is a Part 36 offer to settle? 4 What is the benefit of using Part 36 offers? 5 What happens if I receive a Part 36 offer? 6 How do I accept a Part 36 offer to settle? 7 Impact on costs from a Part 36 offer 8 How do I make a Part 36 offer to settle? 9 Forms and rules 10 I have not been able to settle the dispute – what next? 11 What does it mean? 12 About this guide * Make every effort to settle your dispute before you start your claim. * You can reach a settlement at any time after starting your claim and the court will expect you to settle if you can. * If you make an offer to settle, mark it ‘without prejudice save as to costs’. * When deciding whether to make or accept an offer, consider * the strength of your case, * the value of your claim, and * the offer amount you might be prepared to accept. * Bear in mind the expense, time and stress involved of going to trial. * Be aware - refusing a.

Key information

• •Make every effort to settle your dispute before you start your claim.
• •You can reach a settlement at any time after starting your claim and the court will expect you to settle if you can.
• •If you make an offer to settle, mark it ‘without prejudice save as to costs’.
• •When deciding whether to make or accept an offer, consider
• •the strength of your case,
• •the value of your claim, and
• •the offer amount you might be prepared to accept.
• •Bear in mind the expense, time and stress involved of going to trial.
• •Be aware - refusing a reasonable Part 36 offer to settle could cost you later.
• •How to make an offer to settle
• •What to do if the other side makes an offer to settle
• •What a Part 36 offer is and the risks associated with not accepting one

Practical guidance

• •Source: [How to settle a civil claim](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/going-court/small-claims-and-civil-court/how-settle-civil-claim)

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