How long a small claims court case takes in the UK can vary, but in this short guide you’ll get an idea about how long your claim may take.
What is the Timeline for a Case?
The length of time taken for claims ranges between two months if the individual does not dispute it, to multiple years for complex court cases. A recent study found that cases on average take 54 weeks to reach trial.
After you submit your case, how long it takes depends on several factors. Making the claim can be fast, particularly if you use CaseCraft’s Ai-powered platform. The defendant then has 14-33 days to contact you with a reply. If they agree to pay then it can be wrapped up within months, otherwise how long a case takes in small claims court can depend on the length of queue for the independent mediation service, followed by the court case itself.
How to Prepare for a hearing
Once you receive a government letter giving you your court date, it’s important to follow the ‘directions’ they provide. This may include giving a witness statement or sending copies of documents.
What Happens at Small Claims Court?
At the hearing, you will have a chance to present evidence on your behalf, and the judge will ask questions. At the end, they will give their judgement and reasoning.
What Can Cause Delays in Court?
How long a case takes in small claims court can be impacted by things like you or the defendant arriving late, complex evidence, and resources available at the court.
How to Navigate the Small Claims Court Process in the UK?
You can start by claiming online via CaseCraft. Created using the advice and experience of legal experts, we will support you no matter how long small claims court take.
What Should You Do After the Court Decides?
If you disagree with the civil court’s decision you can appeal within 21 days.
FAQ:
How long does a small claim typically take?
It can vary from several months to multiple years.
What are the steps involved in a small claim?
The basic steps include:
- Write a ‘letter before action’
- File your claim and evidence
- Wait for a response
- Enter mediation
- Attend court if mediation unsuccessful
What factors can affect case duration?
How long a small claims court case takes can be affected by whether the defendant or business disputes it, whether you file your evidence correctly and the complexity of the case.
How can I expedite my small claim?
Ensure you file accurate evidence when requested, be open to compromise in mediation and follow instructions closely.
