County Court

Overview

The County Court is the principal court for civil claims in England and Wales below £100,000. There is one national County Court with hearing centres across the country. Claims are allocated to one of three (or four post-2023) tracks: small claims (≤£10,000), fast track (£10,000–£25,000), intermediate track (£25,000–£100,000 in straightforward cases since October 2023), and multi-track (over £100,000 or complex cases). The court also handles housing possession, debt recovery, and certain family and probate matters.

What it handles

• Money claims under £100,000
• Possession claims (private and social tenancies)
• Personal injury claims under £50,000
• Enforcement of judgments (warrants of control, attachment of earnings, charging orders)
• Insolvency petitions against individuals (concurrent with the High Court)
• Disputes over consumer contracts, goods and services

What it does not handle

• Criminal cases (these go to Magistrates' or Crown Court)
• Judicial review (High Court Administrative Court)
• Claims over £100,000 (start in the High Court)

Forms

Fees

• Issue fee — claim £300: £35 (online)
• Issue fee — claim £10,000: 5% of value
• Hearing fee — small claims £3,000+: £181
• Fee remission: Means-tested via Form EX160

Deadlines

• Claim served on defendant → 14 days to acknowledge service (or file defence)
• Acknowledgement filed → Further 14 days to file defence (28 days from service total)

Appeals

Circuit Judge (from District Judge decisions) or High Court / Court of Appeal depending on track.

Representation

Self-representation common in small claims; solicitor and counsel often instructed for fast-track and above.

Official sources

Related guides

• Small Claims Court Process