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Overview of the Civil Court Process
Key steps for small claims and fast track cases
Civil claims · Factsheet 17 of 17
Starting the Claim
- 1. Fill in N1 claim form (or use online service)
- 2. Include particulars of claim
- 3. Make copies for court, defendant, and yourself
- 4. Send to court with fee (or fee help application)
- 5. Court sends claim to defendant with response pack
- 6. Court sends claimant notice of issue
- 7. Defendant has 14 days to respond (19 if online)
- 8. Defendant can request 14 more days
- 9. Defendant files defence
- 10. Court sends copies to both parties
Case Allocation
- 1. Court sends notice of proposed allocation
- 2. Both parties fill in directions questionnaire
- 3. Parties discuss and agree on some answers
- 4. Return questionnaire to court by deadline
- 5. Judge reviews and decides case progression
- 6. Court sends notice of allocation (track assignment)
- 7. Notice includes directions (instructions)
- 8. Small claims offered free mediation
- 9. Fast track cases proceed to next steps
Case Preparation
- 1. Both parties complete list of documents (disclosure)
- 2. Exchange copies of relevant documents
- 3. Exchange witness statements
- 4. Exchange expert reports (if any)
- 5. Experts discuss areas of agreement/disagreement
- 6. Court sends pre-trial checklist
- 7. Parties discuss checklist answers
- 8. Return completed checklist to court
- 9. Court sends further directions
- 10. Claimant prepares trial bundle
- 11. Court sends notice of trial date
- 12. Claimant pays hearing fee (or applies for help)
- 13. Both parties prepare for trial
Trial and Judgment
- 1. Trial takes place (about 30 weeks after allocation)
- 2. Both parties present their case
- 3. Witnesses give evidence
- 4. Experts testify (if applicable)
- 5. Judge hears all evidence
- 6. Judge makes decision
- 7. Court sends both parties copy of court order
- 8. Order contains the judgment
- 9. Winning party may need to enforce judgment
- 10. 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
Reviewed
August 2026
Source
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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.