Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
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”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Legal Costs and Who Pays Them Understanding costs in small claims and fast-track cases Civil claims · Factsheet 7 of 17 Small Claims (up to £10,000) Each side usually pays their own legal costs Loser may pay winner’s expenses (e.g., court fees) Court can order costs if a party behaved unreasonably … Continue reading “7. Legal costs and who pays them”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Evidence Needed to Sue Someone Key considerations for civil claims Civil claims · Factsheet 6 of 17 Types of Evidence 1. Documentary Evidence: Contracts, invoices, receipts, emails, texts Photos, videos, recordings, CCTV footage Medical records, payslips, bank statements Diaries, calendars, timesheets, accident reports 2. Real Evidence: Physical objects related to the … Continue reading “6. Evidence needed to sue someone”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Is the Defendant Worth Suing? Key considerations before taking legal action Civil claims · Factsheet 4 of 17 Check Financial Status Ensure defendant is not facing insolvency Verify they have enough assets to pay Check if they are insured for the claim Consider location of assets (England/Wales preferred, overseas complicates enforcement) … Continue reading “4. Find out if the defendant is worth suing”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Identifying the Correct Defendant for a Civil Claim Civil claims · Factsheet 3 of 17 Why It’s Important Suing the wrong party wastes time and money You may have to pay legal costs of wrongly sued defendants Correct identification ensures proper service of court documents Steps to Identify the Right Defendant … Continue reading “3. Identifying the Correct Defendant for a Civil Claim”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Factsheet Civil claims · Factsheet 2 of 17 What is ADR? Alternative ways to resolve disputes without going to court Includes negotiation, mediation, arbitration, ombudsman schemes Often quicker, cheaper, and less stressful than court When to Use ADR Comfortable discussing with other party Happy to have third … Continue reading “2. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Factsheet”
Written by John Barwell Resource hub · Factsheet Should I Sue Someone? – Decision Factsheet Civil claims · Factsheet 1 of 17 Key Considerations Is it a legal problem for courts? Within time limit? (strict time limits apply — see factsheet 5) Can you prove fault? Can you prove claim value? Do you have supporting evidence? Can you afford … Continue reading “1. Should I Sue Someone? – Decision Factsheet”