How to Win Your Small Claims Court Case
When someone owes you money, breaks a contract, or damages your property, you do not have to feel powerless.
This page explains how small claims courts work in the UK, how to start a claim, what evidence you need, what it costs, how long it takes, and how Grapple Law can help you act quickly and confidently.
What Is a Small Claim?
A claim made in a small claims court gives individuals a fair, simple route to justice without high legal fees. It’s most often used for claims under £10,000 - although they can be be a good deal higher - such as:
- Unpaid invoices or loans
- Faulty goods or poor services
- Deposit or tenancy disputes
- Property damage
How to Take Someone to Small Claims Court
Grapple Law starts by outlining your case: who is responsible, what happened, and what you are owed. We then send a “letter before action,” for you, to settle out of court. Then, if no agreement is reached, Grapple Law drafts your claim and you submit it through the government’s Money Claim service.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Evidence is your story in facts: contracts, receipts, emails, messages, photos, or statements.
Grapple Law helps you organise and assess your evidence, showing what matters most and how to present it clearly. Your claim looks professional - without paying professional rates.
How Much Does a Small Claim Cost?
Small claims court fees depend on the claim amount:
- Up to £300: £35
- Up to £500: £50
- Up to £1000: £70
- Up to £1500: £80
- Up to £3000: £115
- Up to £2000: £205
- £5,000–£10,000: £455
- £10,000–£200,000: 5% of the claim
- Plus a fee of £25–£350 if your case goes to a hearing
You might be able to get reduced or no fees if you receive benefits or have a low income. See this Gov.uk page for further details.
If you win, the other side usually repays your court fee. Grapple Law’s AI estimates total costs and outcomes upfront, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide whether or not to submit a claim.
How Long Does It Take?
Most claims made through a small claims court are resolved within a few months. Some settle quickly once the other side sees you are serious, while others may have to go to a hearing.
What Happens if You Lose?
If you lose in small claims court, you must pay your own fee and may need to cover limited costs for the other person. These are usually modest, for example: their court fee, capped legal expenses, and witness travel costs. Total costs are rarely more than a few hundred pounds.
Fairness should not depend on who can afford a lawyer. Grapple Law gives you the tools to claim what’s yours, fast and affordably.
How much Does Grapple Law Cost?
- Grapple Law is free to use for information, guidance and general legal advice.
- If you want Grapple Law to negotiate a settlement or other form of payment on your behalf, and it succeeds in negotiating payment, then our Success Fee to you is just 15% of the total amount won.
Small Claims Court FAQs
How do I take someone to small claims court in the UK?
Gather evidence, send a letter before action, then submit your claim online through the government’s relevant claim service. Or let Grapple Law do it all for you.
How long does a small claims case take in the UK?
Most cases take two to six months, depending on whether the other side responds or if a hearing is required.
How much does it cost to take someone to small claims court in the UK?
Fees range from £35 to £455 for claims up to £10,000, plus £25–£350 if a hearing is needed. If you receive benefits or have a low income, you might be able to get a fees reduction or exemption.
What evidence do I need for a small claims case?
Useful evidence includes contracts, receipts, emails, photos, and messages. Grapple Law helps you organise and present it effectively.
What costs will I have to pay if I lose a small claims court case in the UK?
You will lose your own court fee and may have to pay limited costs for the other party, such as their court fee, capped legal expenses, and some witness costs. Total costs are usually under a few hundred pounds.
