Resource hub · Factsheet
Overview of the Civil Court Process
Key steps for small claims and fast track cases
Civil claims · Factsheet 17 of 17
Starting the Claim
- Fill in N1 claim form (or use online service)
- Include particulars of claim
- Make copies for court, defendant, and yourself
- Send to court with fee (or fee help application)
- Court sends claim to defendant with response pack
- Court sends claimant notice of issue
- Defendant has 14 days to respond
- Defendant can request 14 more days
- Defendant files defence
- Court sends copies to both parties
Case Allocation
- Court sends notice of proposed allocation
- Both parties fill in directions questionnaire
- Parties discuss and agree on some answers
- Return questionnaire to court by deadline
- Judge reviews and decides case progression
- Court sends notice of allocation (track assignment)
- Notice includes directions (instructions)
- Small claims offered free mediation
- Fast track cases proceed to next steps
Case Preparation
- Both parties complete list of documents (disclosure)
- Exchange copies of relevant documents
- Exchange witness statements
- Exchange expert reports (if any)
- Experts discuss areas of agreement/disagreement
- Court sends pre-trial checklist
- Parties discuss checklist answers
- Return completed checklist to court
- Court sends further directions
- Claimant prepares trial bundle
- Court sends notice of trial date
- Claimant pays hearing fee (or applies for help)
- Both parties prepare for trial
Trial and Judgment
- Trial takes place (about 30 weeks after allocation)
- Both parties present their case
- Witnesses give evidence
- Experts testify (if applicable)
- Judge hears all evidence
- Judge makes decision
- Court sends both parties copy of court order
- Order contains the judgment
- Winning party may need to enforce judgment
- Losing party may consider appeal options
Key Points to Remember
- Consider settlement at every stage – you can settle up until the trial
- Follow court directions and deadlines carefully
- Keep copies of all documents and correspondence
- Be prepared for costs – court fees, expert fees, potential opponent’s costs
- Small claims process is more informal and may differ slightly
- Online process for claims under £10,000 has some differences
- Seek legal advice if unsure about any stage of the process
- Be aware of the differences between tracks (small claims, fast track, multi-track)
- Consider alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation
- Prepare thoroughly for trial – organize evidence, witnesses, and arguments
The PDF is retained as historical material: beside the 14-day response period it shows “(19 if online)” — an unattributed figure derived from Money Claim Online deemed-service guidance, removed from this page on 16 August 2026. The rule-based period is 14 days.
If a factsheet is not enough
A factsheet explains how a process works. It cannot tell you what to do in your own matter — that turns on facts only a person reading your papers can establish.
Or go back to all 25 factsheets
A court date within days? Say it first on the contact form Need help tonight? Samaritans, any time — 116 123
Factsheets are free to every reader. If this one helped you, you can support Legal Lens.
Disclaimer: This factsheet provides a general overview and does not constitute legal advice. Processes may vary depending on claim type and value. Consult official court guidance or a legal professional for advice specific to your situation. See the terms of use.