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)

Process

1. Step 1: Start the claim

   You apply to a county court to claim money you're owed by a person or business, either online or by post; this is sometimes still called taking someone to the small claims court.

2. Step 2: Claim served on defendant

   The claim, including the claimant's name and address, is sent to the defendant, who is given a deadline by which they must respond.

3. Step 3: If the defendant doesn't pay or respond

   If there is no response, or the defendant refuses to pay what they owe, the claimant can ask the court to order the defendant to pay, using a request for judgment.

4. Step 4: Hearing (if disputed)

   If the defendant disputes the claim there may be a hearing; parties can represent themselves or be represented, and for claims under £10,000 the hearing can be held informally in the judge's room rather than a courtroom.

5. Step 5: Decision

   You get a decision on the day of the hearing, and the court also sends a copy of the decision by post; if you win, the court orders the debtor to pay.

6. Step 6: Appeal the decision

   If you think the judge made a mistake during the hearing, you can appeal, but you must do this within 21 days of getting the decision.

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