If an individual or a business owes you money, you may pursue the debt through the county court by issuing a claim — a process commonly referred to as making a small claim. We will prepare the claim on your behalf, advise you on its merits and on the options available to you at every stage of the proceedings.
Where appropriate, we will provide detailed consultation and guidance on how best to proceed, while monitoring the progress of your matter throughout. We will also draw up a schedule of conditions to be met by the defendant, affording them an opportunity to remedy the loss suffered before the matter escalates.
In many instances, mediation proves a more cost-effective course than litigation. Mediation is the assistance of an impartial third party, engaged by mutual agreement of both sides. Should an agreement prove unattainable, we will prepare and issue court proceedings on your behalf.
Fees and pricing.
plus legal fees and court fees, as applicable
- Initial consultation and assessment of your claim
- Preparation and issue of the claim
- Advice on the grounds of the claim and the options available
- Preparation of a schedule of conditions for the defendant
- Ongoing monitoring of the progress of your matter
The expected timeframe is dependent upon the defendant's response and the court's listing.
Submit request* Terms and conditions apply
Our fee starts from £400 and covers the preparation and conduct of your claim as set out opposite. Disbursements — such as court issue fees, enforcement costs, barrister's fees and any third-party charges — are payable in addition and will be confirmed to you in advance.
Mediation may offer a more cost-effective alternative to litigation; we will advise you on the most proportionate route for your circumstances.
What to expect.
Before issuing a claim
You may need to take your claim to court where the defendant — an individual or a company — denies owing the money, or where you do not agree with the response they have provided. You are entitled to bring a claim where the debtor fails to respond to your claim, or acknowledges the debt but declines to pay. Should the debtor nonetheless fail to pay, you may ask the court to take further steps to recover the money — for example, by way of enforcement through the bailiff service.
At the court hearing
Where a hearing date has been fixed, the court will contact you and set out how the hearing will proceed. We will advise and assist you in preparing for the court hearing.
After the court hearing
You will ordinarily receive the court's decision on the day of the hearing, and the court will subsequently send you a copy of the judgment by post. Where judgment is entered in your favour, the court will order the debtor to pay the sums due. Should the debtor disregard the court order, there are further means by which the court can enforce the debt.
Appeals
You may appeal the decision if you consider that the judge made an error during the hearing. An appeal must be lodged within 21 days of the date of the decision.
Speak to one of our specialists.
Call us on 020 8536 0065 or fill in the form below.
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