Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
Written by John Barwell
Civil courts in England & Wales can now order parties into non-court dispute resolution, and the Civil Procedure Rules were amended in October 2024 to match. This guide explains the difference between the automatic small claims mediation scheme and the general Churchill power, the costs risk of refusing to engage, and how to prepare for a mediation appointment without legal representation.
Written by John Barwell
Missed a directions deadline? The sanction takes effect automatically, and the way back is an application for relief from sanctions under CPR 3.9. This guide follows one worked breach – a late witness statement – through the three Denton stages, the application notice and the witness statement in support, and explains why it is a different remedy from setting aside a default judgment.
Written by John Barwell
A default judgment is not the end of a case. Part 13 of the Civil Procedure Rules builds in two routes back — one mandatory, one discretionary — and the route you take decides what you must prove. This guide sets out both routes, the promptness requirement the rule itself names, and the evidence an application has to carry.
Written by John Barwell
Since October 2023 the County Court has had four case management tracks, and the newest — the intermediate track — now covers the defended claims worth between £25,000 and £100,000 that are too big or too complex for the fast track. Track allocation decides procedure and, through fixed recoverable costs, almost exactly what the winner recovers. Here is what to check before you return the directions questionnaire.
Written by John Barwell
A County Court judgment can move from court procedure into financial life. This Legal Lens article explains why a CCJ is not one simple thing, and why judgment, registration, credit consequences, payment, satisfaction, cancellation, set aside, variation and stay are different legal routes with different effects.
Written by John Barwell
Sending is communication. Service is a legal act. This Legal Lens article explains why emailing a civil claim form can fail if the rules on service, solicitor authority, email consent, nominated addresses, sealed documents and timing are not followed.
Written by John Barwell
A Legal Lens article on online civil courts, digital filing, email service, default judgment, vulnerable users and why a login problem can become a legal problem.
Written by John Barwell
Why courts often reach outcomes that feel unfair — and what litigants in person must understand about law, evidence, and procedure in England & Wales.
Written by John Barwell
Navigate the complexities of UK civil litigation with insights into witness statements and expert reports, essential for building a strong case and ensuring success.
Written by John Barwell
Navigating interim applications in the UK civil court system can be daunting for Litigants in Person. This guide simplifies the process, helping you understand essential steps and avoid common pitfalls.
