Small Claims Court Proceedings Solicitors

In situations where you have received a poor service, you are owed money or you have been the recipient of a faulty product, we know how frustrated you will feel. Our Small Claims Solicitors can help you either recover your funds or resolve the situation accordingly through the Small Claims Court.

With the aid of our Dispute Resolution Solicitors we can advise you and prepare your case as best as possible for a successful outcome, whether you are bringing a claim or defending a claim. We recognise the need for clear, simple and cost effective legal advice.

Legal advice for Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court deals with disputes with a value of up to £10,000, facilitated by local County Courts where the matter is defended, but with an increasing online presence through the Money Claim Online portal. It offers a simpler and more accessible route to resolving disagreements, with the intention that you are able to represent yourself. However, those not familiar with the Court process may wish to seek assistance and have Small Claims Court representation.

Common types of disputes suitable for Small Claims include:-

Faulty or defective products - you can claim compensation for any goods that do not meet expected standards ranging from cars, double glazing or electronic devices. This could also include any concerns such as false advertising or misrepresentation.
Poor-quality services - you can make a claim should you be dissatisfied with the service received from an organisation, or should the company fail to deliver the agreed upon service, therefore breaching their contractual agreement.
Unpaid invoices or debts - if you have provided goods or services that have not been paid for, or you are owed money under a contract or agreement, you may be able to recover the outstanding amount through the Small Claims Court. This is commonly used by individuals, sole traders and small businesses seeking swift resolution.
Builder or tradesperson disputes - where building or repair work has not been completed to the agreed standard, has been left unfinished, or has caused damage, you may be able to claim for the cost of putting things right or for a refund where a contractor has failed to deliver what was promised.
Minor landlord and tenant matters (e.g. rent arrears, property damage, unregistered deposit claims) - whether you are a landlord or tenant, Small Claims Court can assist with issues such as rent arrears, failure to carry out property repairs or property damage, or claims for deposits that are not registered within an authorised scheme.
Neighbour Disputes - Small Claims Court can attempt to rectify conflicts between neighbours, including boundary disputes, noise complaints or property damage.

If your matter involves higher values or more complex legal issues, our team can advise you on the appropriate alternative route, such as the Fast Track, Intermediate Track or Multi Track.

Small Claims Court process explained

While each case will vary, the typical Small Claims process includes the following stages:

Filing a claim – submitting your claim through the County Court or online.
Notification to the defendant – the other party is informed and given a chance to respond.
Mediation or settlement – many claims are resolved through discussion before a hearing.
Allocation to a track – claims under £10,000 are usually allocated to the Small Claims Track.
Court hearing – if needed, you will present your evidence and arguments before a judge.
Judgment and enforcement – if successful, steps can be taken to recover what is owed.

It is important to note that specific rules and procedures may differ depending on the jurisdiction within the UK (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). We are qualified to advise in regards to the law and processes within England and Wales.

The timeline can vary, but Small Claims Court is designed to be quicker than other Court tracks and cases are often resolved within a year. However, this can depend on factors such as Court availability, complexity, and the parties' cooperation.

How we can help with Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court is designed for people to represent themselves, but having professional input early on can make all the difference. We offer two ways to support you, depending on how much help you seek:

1. Specific advice and representation

For us to fully review your paperwork and provide tailored advice, we can:

Assess the merits of your claim or defence,
Draft or review Court documents,
Correspond with the other party, and
Represent you at hearings if required.

This is charged on our standard hourly rates, and ensures that our advice is fully specific to your case.

2. General guidance – Small Claims, Sorted

Should you be seeking an affordable way to understand your options before deciding how to proceed, we offer Small Claims, Sorted; a one-hour fixed-fee consultation with a member of our Dispute Resolution team.

For £185 plus VAT, you will receive:

A one-hour appointment (in person or via online)
Guidance on how the Small Claims process works
An explanation of what evidence you will need and what to do next
A written attendance note summarising the discussion
A complimentary Guide to Small Claims to help you take the next steps

This consultation provides general guidance on your matter and the processes involved. For more tailored advice specific to your matter we can review your paperwork in more detail at our usual hourly rate charges. The Small Claims, Sorted consultation is an excellent starting point if you want to explore your options before committing to full legal instruction. Due to the nature of the claims, this wouldn’t include possession or boundary disputes.

Small Claims Court Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Solicitor for a Small Claim?

You do not have to use a Solicitor for a Small Claim, but legal guidance can make the process smoother and help you avoid costly mistakes. We can advise you through either a Small Claims, Sorted consultation or a full review of your case.

Can I recover my legal costs if I win in Small Claims Court?

In most Small Claims (under £10,000), the Court limits the legal costs that can be recovered, even if you are successful. This is because the Small Claims process is intended to be a lower-cost, more accessible route where parties can represent themselves.

You may be able to recover certain limited expenses, such as Court fees or fixed costs for issuing the claim, but legal fees are generally not awarded. For this reason, we offer our fixed-fee Small Claims, Sorted consultation to give you clear guidance from the outset, without the worry of legal costs outweighing the amount in dispute.

If you decide later that you would like more tailored support or representation, we will discuss the likely costs with you in advance so that you can make an informed decision about the best way forward.

Can you represent me at Court?

If you decide you would like representation or ongoing support after your consultation, our Dispute Resolution Solicitors can act for you and guide you throughout the case.

Is my consultation confidential?

Everything you discuss with us during your consultation is completely confidential. We will not share any information about your situation with anyone else unless you ask us to, or we are legally required to do so. You can speak openly and honestly, knowing that we are here to support you and provide guidance you can trust.

Contact our Dispute Resolution Solicitors

Our Dispute Resolution team combines many years of experience with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Whether you need a general steer through Small Claims, Sorted or full representation in Court, we will give you clear, straightforward guidance tailored to your situation.

We focus on your objectives and help you see your case from every angle, ensuring you can move forward with confidence.

Our Small Claims Court Solicitors in Andover, Romsey, Salisbury, Totton or Witney are here to advise and guide you to an appropriate outcome. To discuss your situation, contact us today at your local office by calling one of the offices below or using the Contact Form: