What is the atmosphere like at a small claims hearing?

Small claims hearings are deliberately informal and usually take place before a District Judge in a private room rather than a formal courtroom. Strict rules of evidence do not apply, and you are not required to have a lawyer. Most hearings last between one and two hours, so being organised and knowing the key facts of your case significantly improves your chances of success.

When do I need to send my evidence bundle to the court?

You must send copies of your paginated and indexed bundle to the court and the other party at least 14 days before the hearing, unless the court directs otherwise. The bundle should include your claim form (N1), the defendant's defence, a signed witness statement covering key facts, and any expert report if the court gave permission for one.

What written notes should I prepare for the hearing?

You should prepare a written list of your three to five most important points, as judges may interrupt frequently and notes help keep you on track. You should also list questions for the other side, your calculation of the amount claimed, and any legal provisions or consumer rights you are relying on, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

What practical steps should I take on the day of the hearing?

You should arrive at least 20 minutes early, dress smartly, bring your ID, and switch off your mobile. You may bring a McKenzie Friend for moral support, but they cannot speak for you without leave. Under CPR r.3.1(2)(h), the court can grant a McKenzie Friend the right to address the court in exceptional circumstances.

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preparation

Civil Procedure

Updated 2026-04-09

Preparation Checklist for a Small Claims Hearing

How to prepare for the day of your small claims track hearing in the County Court.

Overview

Small claims hearings are deliberately informal. They are usually heard before a District Judge in a private room, not a formal courtroom. Strict rules of evidence do not apply, and you do not need a lawyer. However, being organised and knowing the key facts of your case significantly improves your chances. Most hearings last 1–2 hours.

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Your Bundle

Paginated and indexed bundle of all documents you are relying on(Essential)

Send copies to the court and the other party at least 14 days before the hearing (or as directed)

Your claim form (N1) and the defendant's defence(Essential)

Signed witness statement covering the key facts(Essential)

Any expert report (if the court gave permission)

Key Points and Questions

Written list of your three to five most important points(Essential)

The judge may interrupt frequently — having written notes keeps you on track

Questions you want to put to the other side about their defence

Your calculation of the amount claimed and how you reached it(Essential)

Any legal provisions or consumer rights you are relying on (e.g. Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.9: goods must be of satisfactory quality)

Practical Matters

Arrive at least 20 minutes early(Essential)

Dress smartly — first impressions matter(Essential)

Bring your ID

Switch off your mobile(Essential)

Consider bringing a McKenzie Friend for moral support (they cannot speak for you without leave)

Under CPR r.3.1(2)(h), the court can give a McKenzie Friend the right to address the court in exceptional circumstances

Related Guides

Related Rights

Your Rights as a Consumer

Official Resources

Civil Procedure Rules — Part 27 →

Frequently asked questions

What is the atmosphere like at a small claims hearing?: Small claims hearings are deliberately informal and usually take place before a District Judge in a private room rather than a formal courtroom. Strict rules of evidence do not apply, and you are not required to have a lawyer. Most hearings last between one and two hours, so being organised and knowing the key facts of your case significantly improves your chances of success.
When do I need to send my evidence bundle to the court?: You must send copies of your paginated and indexed bundle to the court and the other party at least 14 days before the hearing, unless the court directs otherwise. The bundle should include your claim form (N1), the defendant's defence, a signed witness statement covering key facts, and any expert report if the court gave permission for one.
What written notes should I prepare for the hearing?: You should prepare a written list of your three to five most important points, as judges may interrupt frequently and notes help keep you on track. You should also list questions for the other side, your calculation of the amount claimed, and any legal provisions or consumer rights you are relying on, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What practical steps should I take on the day of the hearing?: You should arrive at least 20 minutes early, dress smartly, bring your ID, and switch off your mobile. You may bring a McKenzie Friend for moral support, but they cannot speak for you without leave. Under CPR r.3.1(2)(h), the court can grant a McKenzie Friend the right to address the court in exceptional circumstances.