A small claim is a legal dispute where one party seeks to recover money or compensation for a minor financial dispute. These cases are handled by the Small Claims Court, a part of the County Court, and are designed to be simple and cost-effective without requiring a lawyer.
Key Features:
• Maximum claim limit: £10,000 in England and Wales, £5,000 in Scotland, and £3,000 in Northern Ireland.
• Used for unpaid invoices, faulty goods, poor service, deposit disputes, and minor contract breaches.
• No requirement for legal representation—the process is accessible for individuals and small businesses.
For cases exceeding these limits, alternative legal routes, such as the fast track or multi-track system, may be necessary.