Notes

Debt Collection / Small Claims Notes

1. Identify the defendant.

Make sure you know whether he/she is a person, a firm (a business but not a limited company) or a limited company. If it is a business name or a firm try to ascertain the name of the principal or partners if possible.

If it is a limited company try to ascertain its registered office as you can only sue a limited company at its registered office.

2. Ascertain which is the correct County Court.

County Courts have jurisdictions over their local areas. Consider where the contract or the accident arose.

3. Prepare your documentation

Put all of the documents necessary to prove the claim together. For example if you were injured then before proceeding it may be helpful to obtain a medical report from the doctor or hospital. It may be that your treatment has not finished but an initial medical report still will be needed. Both hospitals and doctors charge a fee.

If the claim arises under a contract then make a copy of the contract.