Small Claims Court Help – Practical Support for Everyday Legal Disputes
Sometimes disputes are unavoidable. You’ve paid for a product or service that was never delivered or that turned out not to be fit for the purpose intended, or someone owes you money for a service or product you delivered, and when it’s time to pay, they are avoiding you. You’ve written to them and done everything within your power to resolve matters amicably, but still they are refusing to pay. If this is all too familiar, then the Small Claims court might be the answer to your problem.
The Small Claims courts were established as an informal and expedited way to resolve minor disputes without the formalities of higher courts. However, today the Small Claims Court has become far more process-driven in its operations, and adherence to the rules laid down within the Civil Procedure Rules (the CPR) is now rigidly enforced. The ease of issuing a claim online via the Court Service website, Money Claim Online, should not be underestimated.
The Small Claims Court rules are enshrined in CPR Part 27, and to the untrained, these are a complex set of rules that the court expects Litigants In Person (LiP) to comply with. Meridian Legal Services can help you navigate the complexities with ease, whether you are a Claimant bringing a claim or a Defendant defending one; we can assist you.
At Meridian Legal Services, we provide a low-cost Small Claims court service covering England and Wales to help you bring or defend a claim. All of our personnel are legally trained and qualified, having previously worked in legal practice and gained considerable litigation experience. Meridian Legal Services brings together a wealth of experience without the huge hourly costs of employing a solicitor. Everything we do stays within the framework of the Legal Services Act 2007. This means we do not undertake representation, which is a ‘reserved’ activity which only a regulated law practice can do. In a nutshell, our service is professional support and guidance in preparing your case.
We do also work with our own panel of solicitors and barristers should representation be required.
What Counts as a Small Claim?
In simple terms, a small claim is typically a civil dispute worth under £ 10,000. It might be about a personal loan that was never repaid, a landlord who kept your deposit without a valid reason, or work that was poorly done. These claims are typically handled in the County Court.
You do not need a solicitor to make a small claim. In fact, most people represent themselves. The court process is designed to be accessible. But let’s be honest, that does not mean it is easy.
The forms can be confusing. The steps are not always clear. And once you start gathering evidence, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. That is where we come in.
What We Can Help With
We do not give legal advice and we will never speak on your behalf in court. But we can support you with things like:
- Explaining what happens at each stage of the claim
- Helping you understand what the forms are asking for
- Checking that your documents are well organised and easy to follow
- Helping you lay out a clear timeline of events
- Showing you how to prepare your evidence in a simple and effective way
- Giving you tips on what to expect when attending court
We stay within the boundaries of the law. We do not argue your case or draft legal pleadings. What we offer is a practical service to help you take control of your own claim.
Why Preparation Matters
You do not need to sound like a lawyer to win. But you do need to be clear, calm, and organised. Judges are not interested in emotion. They want facts, backed up by evidence, presented in a way that makes sense.
That is why preparation is so important. The way you tell your story — backed by emails, receipts, contracts, or photos — can make or break your claim. You do not need legal advice to build a strong case. You just need structure and clarity.
Questions We Hear All the Time
We regularly help people who ask:
- How do I start a small claim in the UK?
- What forms do I need to complete?
- Can I claim back my court fees?
- Do I need to go to court in person?
- What happens if the other side ignores the claim?
We answer these in plain, everyday language. No legal jargon, no upselling. Just helpful, honest information to get you moving.
Take the First Step Today
You do not have to face this alone. If you're unsure where to start or worried about missing something important, we can help you prepare. You stay in control. You run the case. We just help make the road ahead easier to follow.
Whether you are claiming back a few hundred pounds or a few thousand, you deserve to be heard. With the right preparation, you can enter the courtroom with confidence and present your case with clarity.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you prepare.
