Before Your Hearing
What to bring:
- Your court bundle (3 copies: one for you, one for the defendant, one for the judge)
- A copy of all documents you have sent to court
- Any documents the defendant has sent
- A notebook and pen
- Photo ID (in case of security checks)
The day before:
- Check the hearing venue and plan your route
- Prepare any notes you want to refer to
- Lay out what you will wear
- Get a good night's sleep
On the day:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Allow time for security screening
- Find the waiting area for your courtroom
- Report to the usher when you arrive
What to Wear
There is no strict dress code for small claims, but you should dress respectfully:
Appropriate:
- Smart casual or business attire
- Clean, neat clothing
- Comfortable but presentable shoes
Avoid:
- Jeans with holes
- T-shirts with slogans
- Flip-flops or very casual footwear
- Hats (remove them in the courtroom)
- Anything too casual or revealing
Why it matters:
While judges will not decide against you for wearing jeans, dressing smartly shows you take the proceedings seriously and can help you feel more confident.
How the Hearing Works
Small claims hearings are relatively informal:
The setting:
- Usually in a small room, not a formal courtroom
- You and the defendant sit at a table with the judge
- No wigs or gowns
- The atmosphere is businesslike but not intimidating
The process:
- The judge introduces themselves and explains the process
- The claimant (you, if you brought the claim) presents first
- The defendant then presents their case
- Both parties can ask questions of each other
- The judge may ask questions
- Both parties summarise their positions
- The judge gives their decision (sometimes reserved for later)
Duration:
Most small claims hearings last 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
Presenting Your Case
Speaking to the judge:
- Address them as "Sir", "Madam", or "Judge"
- Stand when speaking (unless told otherwise)
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
- Face the judge, not the other party
Structure your presentation:
- Briefly introduce yourself and your claim
- Explain what happened in chronological order
- Refer to your evidence ("As shown in document 3...")
- Explain how you have been affected
- State what you are asking for
Tips:
- Stick to facts, not emotions
- Be concise - judges appreciate brevity
- If you do not understand something, ask
- It is acceptable to refer to notes
- Admit if you do not know something
After the Hearing
The decision:
- The judge often gives their decision on the day
- Sometimes the decision is "reserved" and sent in writing later
- You receive a formal order setting out the decision
If you win:
- The defendant is ordered to pay you the amount awarded
- They usually have 14 days to pay
- If they do not pay, you can use enforcement methods
- The court will send you a copy of the judgment
If you lose:
- The claim is dismissed
- You may be ordered to pay some of the defendant's costs (though small claims costs are limited)
- You can appeal, but only on a point of law or serious procedural error
Either way:
- You can request a transcript of the hearing (for a fee)
- The judgment is a matter of public record
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring someone with me for support?
Yes, you can bring a friend or family member for moral support. They can sit in the hearing room with you but generally cannot speak unless the judge permits it. If you want someone to speak for you (a "McKenzie Friend"), you should tell the judge at the start.
What if I am nervous about speaking?
It is completely normal to feel nervous. Judges understand that most people are not used to court proceedings. You can read from prepared notes, ask for breaks if needed, and request clarification if you do not understand something. The informal nature of small claims is designed to make it accessible.
Can I call witnesses?
Yes, you can bring witnesses to support your case. You should have notified the court and the other party in advance. Witnesses wait outside and are called in to give their evidence. They can be asked questions by both parties and the judge.
What if I cannot attend on the date given?
Contact the court as soon as possible to request a new date. You need a good reason - work commitments may not be sufficient, but medical emergencies, pre-booked holidays (booked before you knew the date), or caring responsibilities often are. The other party may need to agree.
Will the hearing be in person or online?
Many small claims hearings now take place by video call (CVP - Cloud Video Platform) or telephone. You will be told in advance which format applies. If you have a strong preference or reason to attend in person (such as difficulty with technology), you can request this.
This guide provides general information about UK small claims court procedures and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. CourtPilot is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The law may have changed since this guide was last updated. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified solicitor or seek help from Citizens Advice.