When should creative professionals consider small claims court?

Consider court when the unpaid amount is between £200 and £10,000, you have documentation like contracts, approval emails, and delivered work, and the client is based in England or Wales.

Can I claim for a cancelled event or project?

Yes, if your contract includes cancellation terms. Even without specific terms, you may be able to claim for work already done, materials purchased, and loss of earnings if you could not rebook the date.

What if the client says they are not satisfied with creative work?

Evidence of approvals is crucial. This includes approved proofs, sample sign-offs, revision requests that were completed, and any positive feedback during the project. Subjective dissatisfaction raised only after the invoice is sent rarely succeeds as a defence.

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Events & Creative Projects: Getting Paid and Resolving Disputes

No solicitors needed. Step-by-step guidance to recover what you're owed through UK small claims court. Built for photographers, videographers, wedding planners, and event professionals.

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Claims £200 - £10,000England & WalesNo solicitor required

Common Events & Creative Projects We Help With

From unpaid work to unfair complaints, our guides cover the disputes you face.

Delivery & Payment

Photos/Videos Delivered, Not Paid

Work delivered as agreed, but client refuses to pay final balance or claims dissatisfaction.

Cancellations

Last-Minute Event Cancellation

Event cancelled close to the date. Client demands full refund despite your cancellation terms.

Quality Disputes

"Not What We Expected"

Client claims creative work wasn't good enough to justify payment.

Subjective Quality Claims

Dealing with clients who claim work was "not as described" based on taste.

Deposits & Refunds

Unfair Refund Demands

Client demands refund of deposit or payment after you performed your obligations.

When to Consider Small Claims Court

Most disputes start as complaints or negotiations. Here's when it makes sense to consider court action.

Consider Court Action When:

The amount is £200 - £10,000 — below the small claims track limit
You have documentation — contracts, booking forms, email approvals, delivered work
The client is in England or Wales — residential or business address

Quick Checklist Before Filing

Client based in England/Wales

Claim value under £10,000

Clear contract or booking terms

Ready to send Letter Before Action

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How CourtPilot Helps You

From documentation to court-ready documents in three steps.

Upload Your Dispute

Order confirmations, tracking data, messages, emails - upload everything and we extract the key facts.

AI Builds Your Case

Automatic Letter Before Action generation, particulars of claim drafting, and deadline tracking.

Court-Ready Documents

CPR-compliant bundles, indexed evidence, and witness statement templates ready for small claims court.

Evidence analysis for creative disputes

Letters Before Action for event bookings

Court bundle with contracts and work samples

AI-powered deadline tracking

Real Disputes, Real Outcomes

Examples of how others have recovered money through small claims court and pre-court negotiation.

£2,800

Wedding Photographer: "Disappointed" Couple

Scenario: Shot wedding as contracted. Couple claimed photos were "disappointing" and refused final payment.

Evidence: Contract, shot list showing all items delivered, online gallery access logs, prior approval emails.

Outcome: Court found contract fulfilled. Photos matched style in portfolio. Full amount awarded.

£1,900

Videographer: Edit Delivered, Balance Unpaid

Scenario: Corporate video edited and delivered. Client approved cut, then ghosted on final invoice.

Evidence: Contract, approval email, video delivery confirmation, invoice reminders.

Outcome: Letter Before Action to company directors. Payment made within 7 days.

£4,200

Caterer: Event Cancelled 2 Weeks Out

Scenario: Wedding cancelled 14 days before. Couple demanded full refund including deposits.

Evidence: Contract with cancellation terms, food orders already placed, supplier invoices.

Outcome: Mediation agreed 60% retention in line with contract terms. Supplier costs covered.

£800

DJ: "Ruined the Party" Claim

Scenario: Client claimed DJ "ruined" party and refused payment. Actual issue: they didn't like genre mix.

Evidence: Contract, playlist requests (followed), venue feedback form, other guest comments.

Outcome: Default judgment. Client didn't file defence. Full fee plus court costs awarded.

£650

Florist: "Wrong Shade" Complaint

Scenario: Bride complained flowers were "wrong shade of pink" despite approving samples.

Evidence: Sample approval photos, order confirmation, delivery photos matching samples.

Outcome: Letter Before Action citing approved samples. Client paid to avoid court.

£100

When NOT to Claim: No Written Contract

Scenario: Small deposit for event photography. Friend of friend, no written contract.

Evidence: Text messages only. No terms or conditions agreed.

Advice: Advised NOT to pursue. Amount too small and no clear contractual terms to enforce.

These examples illustrate typical dispute scenarios. Every case is different and outcomes depend on evidence and circumstances.

Built for UK Small Claims

England & Wales Specific

Guidance tailored to UK small claims court procedures and rules.

CPR-Aligned Documents

Letters and bundles formatted to Civil Procedure Rules standards.

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Information Only - Not Legal Advice

CourtPilot provides tools and guidance to help you prepare your own small claims case. We are not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. For complex matters or if you are uncertain about your rights, please consult a qualified solicitor.

Get Paid for Your Creative Work

Whether it's a cancelled event, a client claiming disappointment, or an unpaid invoice, CourtPilot gives you the tools to recover what you're owed through UK small claims court.

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