Witness statements and expert reports in a civil case

Summary

Representing yourself in a civil claim for £25,000 or less? Our guide explains how to prepare witness statements and expert reports, including layout tips, what to put in them, rules on exchange, and example templates. For litigants in person. The information in this guide applies to England and Wales only. 1 When do you need a witness statement? 2 What should be in a witness statement? 3 How should I layout a witness statement? 4 Exchange of witness statements 5 Expert reports 6 How do I arrange for an expert to give evidence? 7 FAQs about witness statement and expert reports in a small claim or fast-track case 8 What does it mean? 9 About this guide Understand everything you need to know about witness statements and expert reports in a civil claim – what they are, when you need one, what you should put in it, and how you should lay it out. This guide is part of a series of guides about taking someone to court to sort out a disagreement about money owed, broken contracts (often called ‘breach of contract’), compensation, and personal injury. You might use the small claims or fast-track process in a County Court. * are involved in a civil claim in either England or Wales, and *.

Key information

• •are involved in a civil claim 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 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),
• •a housing disrepair or housing possession case including mortgage possession,
• •an injunction (including court claims about anti-social behaviour)
• •a case involving defamation (libel or slander) or
• •a tribunal case (such as an employment case).
• •what you need to include in a witness statement,
• •how to layout a witness statement and example,
• •how to exchange witness statements,
• •common mistakes and how to avoid them,

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Witness statements and expert reports in a civil case](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/going-court/small-claims-and-civil-court/witness-statements-and-expert-reports)

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