Discover what happens at a small claims court hearing in England and Wales, from arrival to judgment, so you can feel prepared and confident on the day.

What happens at a small claims court hearing

Going to court for the first time can feel daunting, even when your case is relatively straightforward. The small claims track is designed to be accessible to everyday people without legal representation, but knowing what to expect before you walk through the door makes a significant difference. This guide walks you through the entire process — from arriving at the court building to receiving the judge’s decision — so you can focus on presenting your case clearly rather than worrying about procedure.

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Before you arrive: final preparation

The hearing date will have been set by the court and confirmed in writing. In the weeks beforehand, both parties should have exchanged documents and witness statements in line with the directions issued by the court. If you have not already done this, check your directions order carefully — failing to comply can weaken your position or even result in your claim being struck out.

On the day before or the morning of the hearing, gather everything into a single organised bundle:

• Claim form and response — the original N1 form and the defendant’s defence
• Correspondence — emails, letters, text messages, or any written communications relevant to the dispute
• Evidence of loss — invoices, receipts, bank statements, photographs, or repair estimates
• Any witness statements — including your own, signed and dated
• Calculations — showing exactly how you reached the amount you are claiming, including any interest

If you have not yet calculated the interest owed on your claim, the ClaimsPilot interest calculator can help you work this out quickly and accurately before the hearing.

Bring at least three copies of your bundle: one for yourself, one for the judge, and one for the other side. Arrive at the court building early — aim for at least 30 minutes before your listed time.

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Arriving at court

Small claims hearings are held at County Court hearing centres across England and Wales. You can find your local court on GOV.UK’s court finder. On arrival, report to the court reception desk and let the usher or clerk know you are there for your case. They will note your attendance and direct you to a waiting area.

It is quite common for both parties to be present in the same waiting area before the case is called. Some people find this uncomfortable, but it is perfectly normal. Occasionally, a last-minute settlement is reached in the corridor — if the other party or their representative approaches you to discuss terms, you are under no obligation to agree to anything, but it is worth listening if you want to avoid the uncertainty of a hearing.

The courtroom itself for a small claims hearing is usually modest in size. Unlike the formal courtrooms you may have seen on television, small claims hearings often take place in a small room with a table and chairs rather than traditional raised benches. The atmosphere is deliberately informal.

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How the hearing is conducted

When your case is called, you will be invited into the hearing room. The judge — typically a District Judge or Deputy District Judge — will sit at the head of the table. Both parties will sit on either side. If you have a McKenzie Friend (an informal helper who can assist but not speak on your behalf), let the judge know at the outset.

The judge will usually begin by explaining how the hearing will proceed. Small claims hearings are governed by Part 27 of the Civil Procedure Rules, which gives judges considerable flexibility in how they manage proceedings. You can read the relevant rules on Legislation.gov.uk.

In practice, a typical hearing follows this pattern:

The claimant presents their case

As the person bringing the claim, you will usually be invited to speak first. The judge may ask you to take them through your evidence rather than simply reading a prepared speech. Keep your explanation clear, factual, and focused on what you lost and why the defendant is responsible. Refer to your documents as you go.

The defendant responds

The defendant will then have the opportunity to put their side of the story and challenge your evidence. They may refer to their own documents or call a witness. Listen carefully — you will have the chance to respond to any points you disagree with.

Questions from the judge

The judge is likely to ask questions throughout, not just at the end. This is not a sign that things are going badly; judges in the small claims track take an inquisitorial approach rather than simply listening passively. Answer honestly and concisely. If you do not know the answer to something, say so rather than guessing.

Closing remarks

Once both sides have been heard, the judge may invite each party to make a brief closing statement summarising why judgment should be given in their favour. Keep this short and focused on the key points.

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The judgment

At the end of the hearing, the judge will usually give their judgment straight away. They will explain their reasoning and announce whether they are finding in favour of the claimant or the defendant.

If judgment is given in your favour, the judge will specify:

• The amount awarded (which may be the full amount claimed, a reduced sum, or in some cases more if a counterclaim is dismissed)
• Whether interest is awarded, and if so how much
• Whether you are entitled to recover your court fees
• How and when the defendant must pay

If the judgment goes against you, the judge will dismiss the claim. In some circumstances, a counterclaim by the defendant may also be decided at the same hearing.

It is worth noting that being awarded judgment does not automatically mean the money lands in your account. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you may need to take further enforcement steps such as applying for a warrant of control or an attachment of earnings order. The GOV.UK guidance on enforcing a judgment explains the options available to you.

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What if you cannot attend?

If you are unable to attend due to illness or another serious reason, contact the court as soon as possible and apply to have the hearing adjourned. If you simply do not attend without explanation, the judge may decide the case in your absence based on the documents submitted, or may strike out your claim entirely. Similarly, if the defendant does not attend and has given no good reason, the judge may proceed and award judgment against them by default.

If your hearing was conducted remotely by telephone or video — which became more common following the pandemic — the same rules about preparation and evidence apply. Check your notice of hearing carefully to confirm the format.

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After the hearing: next steps

Once judgment has been given, take a note of the exact terms before you leave the courtroom, or ask the court for a sealed copy of the order. Both parties will also receive a written order in the post.

If you are the successful claimant and the defendant pays promptly, the matter is concluded. If they do not pay by the date set in the order, you can begin enforcement proceedings.

If you are unhappy with the judgment — for example, because you believe the judge made a legal error — it is possible to apply for permission to appeal, though this is relatively rare in small claims cases and the grounds are narrow. You can find information about appealing a small claims decision on GOV.UK.

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Feeling prepared makes all the difference

The small claims process is intentionally designed so that ordinary people can use it without needing a solicitor. Most judges in the small claims track are patient and will help guide the hearing along, particularly where one or both parties are unrepresented. The best thing you can do is prepare thoroughly, bring organised evidence, and speak clearly and honestly.

If your dispute has not yet reached the hearing stage — or if you are just starting out and need to send a formal letter before action — the ClaimsPilot letter before action tool can help you set out your position professionally and give the other party a final opportunity to resolve things before court.

Ready to take the next step or manage your claim from start to finish? Sign up to ClaimsPilot and let our tools guide you through the small claims process with confidence.