Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Preparing a Trial Bundle and Index Key information for litigants in person Civil claims · Factsheet 15 of 17 What is a Trial Bundle and Index? Collection of relevant documents for the trial Organised in a specific order Usually in a ring binder or lever arch file Pages numbered at the … Continue reading “15. How to prepare a trial bundle and index”
Written by John Barwell
Navigating the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) as a Lay Applicant can be complex. This guide outlines the application process, key considerations, and challenges.
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Hearings in Civil Claims Key information for litigants in person Civil claims · Factsheet 14 of 17 Types of Hearings Directions hearing: Instructions for case preparation Case management conference: Discuss case management Preliminary hearing: For small claims before trial Application hearing: Deal with interim applications Listing hearing: Discuss trial date and … Continue reading “14. Hearings in a civil claim”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Settling a Civil Court Claim Key information for litigants in person Civil claims · Factsheet 13 of 17 General Information Settlement can occur before or after proceedings Court expects parties to attempt settlement Can be done through informal discussions, ADR, mediation, or formal written offers Consider prospects of success, claim value, … Continue reading “13. How to settle a claim”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Witness Statements and Expert Reports Key information for civil court cases Civil claims · Factsheet 12 of 17 Witness Statements Required for all claimants and defendants Prepare early in the case Include only firsthand experiences Use numbered paragraphs End with a statement of truth Exchange simultaneously by set deadline Small claims … Continue reading “12. Witness statements and expert reports”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Interim Applications in Civil Court Cases Key information for litigants in person Civil claims · Factsheet 11 of 17 What is an Interim Application? Request to court after claim start, before trial Common reasons: Amend claim Include new witness/expert evidence Request action from other party Use only when necessary – courts … Continue reading “11. Interim applications – how to ask a civil court to do something”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet After You Start a Civil Claim Key steps and processes following claim initiation Civil claims · Factsheet 10 of 17 Allocation Court decides which ‘track’ your case follows: Small claims track (usually ≤£10,000) Fast track (£10,000 – £25,000) Intermediate track (£25,000 – £100,000) Multi-track (complex cases or >£100,000) Factors: claim value, … Continue reading “10. After you start a civil claim”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet How to Start a Civil Claim Key steps for initiating legal proceedings in England and Wales Civil claims · Factsheet 9 of 17 Online Claim Options 1. Money Claims (up to £10,000): For litigants in person Excludes personal injury claims Offers free telephone mediation 2. Money Claim Online (MCOL) (up to … Continue reading “9. How to start a civil claim”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Court Procedures to Know Before Suing Someone Key considerations for civil claims in England and Wales Civil claims · Factsheet 8 of 17 Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Court rules you must follow when suing someone Explains what to do and when Includes Practice Directions for additional guidance Not following rules can … Continue reading “8. Things you need to know about court procedure before you sue someone”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Time Limits for Suing Someone Understanding limitation periods for civil claims Civil claims · Factsheet 5 of 17 Breach of Contract Claims Limitation period: 6 years Starts from: Date the contract was broken Note: Contracts may specify shorter periods Exception: If under 18 or lack mental capacity, time starts when capacity … Continue reading “5. Time limits for suing someone”
