How to start a small claim or fast track claim without a solicitor

Summary

Don't be put off by the court process. Our expert guide empowers you to start your small claim (up to £10k) or fast track case (£10k–£25k) correctly using either Money Claims (OCMC), or the N1 form. We explain what to put in each box and what to consider for different types of cases. The information in this guide applies to England and Wales. 1 Is this guide for you? 2 Starting your claim 3 Using Money Claims 4 Completing the N1 paper claim form 5 Informing the defendant 6 After you have successfully issued your claim 7 Time limits for suing someone 8 If the defendant does not respond 9 If the defendant does respond 10 FAQs about starting a small claim or fast track case 11 What does it mean? 12 About this guide This guide explains how to start your claim if you have decided to take someone to the small claims court, or use the fast-track process in a county court, without the help of a solicitor. It supports you to use the new online court service if you can for your type of case, and how to start a claim using the N1 form if you need to or prefer that. It is part of a series of guides that explain everything you need to know and understand if you are taking someone to the civil.

Key information

• •How to use the online court services, or how to complete the N1 form,
• •What you can claim for and how to value your claim,
• •How to complete a schedule of loss, and
• •How to set out the particulars of claim.
• •you have decided to start a court claim against an individual or an organisation in either England or Wales, and
• •your case involves a claim for £25,000 or less, and
• •you are representing yourself (you are a litigant in person), and
• •you are not eligible to have your case paid for by legal aid, a trade union, or insurance.
• •a family case (such as an application for a domestic violence injunction or a divorce – see Going to the family court instead),
• •a housing disrepair or housing possession case including mortgage possession (go to help with housing problems instead),
• •an injunction (including court claims about anti-social behaviour)
• •a case involving defamation (libel or slander) or

Practical guidance

• •Source: [How to start a small claim or fast track claim without a solicitor](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/going-court/small-claims-and-civil-court/start-small-claim-or-fast-track-claim)

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