How much does it cost to make a county court claim?

Court fees depend on the claim amount. For example, a claim for up to £300 costs £35, while a claim for £5,000 costs £205. Claims over £10,000 incur a fee of 5% of the claim value. Fees are lower when filing online.

Do I need a solicitor?

No. Many people in the UK make county court claims without a solicitor, especially in the small claims track (up to £10,000). For larger or more complex British claims, legal advice from a UK solicitor is recommended.

What is a letter before action?

It is a formal letter sent to the debtor before issuing proceedings, setting out the debt, giving them a deadline to pay, and warning that court action will follow. It is required by the Pre-Action Protocol.

How long does the process take?

If the defendant does not respond to the claim within 14 days, you can apply for default judgment. Defended claims take longer — small claims hearings are typically listed within a few months of allocation.

What if the defendant disputes the debt?

The defendant can file a defence within 14 days (or 28 days with an extension). The case will then be allocated to a track and proceed to a hearing.

Can I claim interest on the debt?

Yes. For UK business debts, statutory interest at 8% above the base rate applies under the British Late Payment Act. For other debts in England and Wales, the court can award interest at 8% per annum.

What happens after I get a CCJ?

If the British debtor pays, the UK CCJ is satisfied. If they do not pay, you can take enforcement action in England and Wales. The CCJ is also recorded on the debtor's credit file for six years.

Yes. Money Claims Online (MCOL) allows you to issue claims for fixed amounts up to £100,000. It is cheaper and faster than filing a paper claim form.

FinanceUnited Kingdom

Free County Court Claim Template

A county court claim is the formal way to recover money owed to you in England and Wales. Whether it is an unpaid invoice, a personal debt, or a breach of contract, our template helps you draft clear particulars of claim before filing with the court.

Create Your County Court Claim (N1 Form Companion)

Free to useInstant PDFNo account required

PARTICULARS OF CLAIM

Form N1 Companion · County Court (Form N1, CPR Part 7) · County Court At Manchester

CLAIMANT

NAME	Emma Louise Richards
TYPE	Individual
ADDRESS	14 Oakfield Road, Manchester, M20 6HJ
EMAIL	emma.richards@example.co.uk
TELEPHONE	07700 900123

DEFENDANT

NAME	ProBuild Solutions Ltd
TYPE	Limited Company
ADDRESS	Unit 7, Riverside Business Park, Leeds, LS10 1NE
COMPANY NUMBER	87654321
EMAIL	info@probuild.example.co.uk

CLAIM

TYPE OF CLAIM	Breach of Contract
AMOUNT CLAIMED	£8,750.00
ALLOCATION TRACK	Small Claims Track (up to £10,000) — CPR Part 27
COURT	County Court (Form N1, CPR Part 7) — County Court at Manchester
GOVERNING LAW	England and Wales

These Particulars of Claim are filed pursuant to CPR Part 7 and Practice Direction 16, and served with the Claim Form (Form N1) in accordance with CPR Part 6. The Claimant, Emma Louise Richards, claims against the Defendant for breach of contract as set out below.

PARTIES

The Claimant is Emma Louise Richards of 14 Oakfield Road, Manchester, M20 6HJ.

The Defendant is ProBuild Solutions Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 87654321) of Unit 7, Riverside Business Park, Leeds, LS10 1NE.

BACKGROUND AND MATERIAL FACTS

1. On 15 January 2025, the Claimant and the Defendant entered into a written contract for the renovation of the kitchen at 14 Oakfield Road, Manchester for the agreed sum of £8,750 (the "Contract").
2. The Contract required the Defendant to complete the renovation works to a reasonable standard within 8 weeks of commencement, i.e. by 12 March 2025.
3. The works commenced on 15 January 2025 but remained incomplete as at 12 March 2025 and further defects became apparent in materials used.

THE OBLIGATION

The Defendant owed the Claimant the following obligation:

Under the express and/or implied terms of the Contract (and by virtue of section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982), the Defendant was obliged to complete the renovation works by 12 March 2025 using materials of satisfactory quality and with reasonable care and skill.

BREACH

The Defendant breached the obligation as follows:

The Defendant breached the Contract in that: (a) it failed to complete the works by 12 March 2025; (b) it used sub-standard materials in the installation, including laminate worktops not conforming to the specified grade; and (c) the workmanship fell below the standard to be expected of a reasonably competent kitchen contractor.

LOSS AND DAMAGE

As a result of the Defendant's breach, the Claimant has suffered loss and damage, particulars of which are set out below (CPR PD 16 para 4):

Particulars of loss:
(a) Cost of engaging an alternative contractor to complete the works and make good defects: £5,250 (invoice exhibited).
(b) Cost of replacing sub-standard materials: £2,100 (receipts exhibited).
(c) General damages for inconvenience and loss of use of kitchen for a period of 8 weeks: £1,400.
Total: £8,750.

MITIGATION

The Claimant has taken reasonable steps to mitigate its loss as follows:

The Claimant obtained three written quotes from alternative kitchen contractors and instructed the most reasonably priced, thereby mitigating her loss.

INTEREST

The Claimant claims interest pursuant to section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984 on such sum as is found due to the Claimant, at the rate of 8% per annum from 12 March 2025. The amount of interest accrued to the date of this claim is £350.00, continuing at the applicable daily rate thereafter until judgment or sooner payment.

AND THE CLAIMANT CLAIMS

(1) Damages in the sum of £8,750;
(2) Interest pursuant to section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984 at 8% per annum from 12 March 2025 until judgment or sooner payment, presently amounting to £350 and continuing at a daily rate of £1.92;
(3) The costs of this claim;
(4) Such further or other relief as the Court thinks fit.

LIMITATION

The cause of action accrued on or about 12 March 2025. This claim is brought within the applicable limitation period: 6 years from breach — simple contract (Limitation Act 1980 s.5). The Claimant therefore confirms that the claim is not statute-barred pursuant to the Limitation Act 1980.

10.

PRE-ACTION COMPLIANCE AND ADR

The Claimant has complied with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols. A Letter Before Action (Letter Before Claim) was sent to the Defendant on 01 February 2025 setting out the basis of the claim, the sum demanded, the evidence relied on and requiring a substantive response within the period prescribed by the applicable protocol (30 days for debt claims). The Defendant's response was as follows: The Defendant responded by letter dated 20 February 2025 denying liability and refusing to pay or engage in dispute resolution. The Claimant has considered alternative dispute resolution (including mediation) in accordance with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and remains open to it. The Court's attention is invited to Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust [2004] EWCA Civ 576 in relation to ADR.

11.

ALLOCATION AND VENUE

The Claimant invites the Court to allocate this claim to the Small Claims Track (up to £10,000) — CPR Part 27 in accordance with CPR Part 26. The Claimant requests that this claim be heard at County Court at Manchester, being the most convenient forum for the parties and witnesses. The court-issue fee payable has been calculated in accordance with the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 (as amended).

12.

STATEMENT OF TRUTH

[the Claimant believes] that the facts stated in these Particulars of Claim are true. The Claimant understands that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth (CPR 22.1 and Part 32 PD para 28).

CLAIMANT

Emma Louise Richards

Date: 17 April 2026

Emma Louise Richards

Date: ____________________

What Is a County Court Claim?

A county court claim (often called a "money claim" or "small claim") is a legal action brought in the county court to recover a debt or damages. In England and Wales, claims can be issued online through Money Claims Online (MCOL) or by filing a claim form (N1) at a county court.

The claim form must include "particulars of claim" — a clear statement of the facts giving rise to the debt, the amount owed, how it was calculated, and the legal basis for the claim. Well-drafted particulars are essential because they define the scope of your case.

UK claims for up to £10,000 are usually allocated to the small claims track, where proceedings are informal and costs recovery is limited. British claims between £10,000 and £25,000 go to the fast track, and larger claims to the multi-track. The amount and complexity determine the procedure under English civil law.

What's Covered in This Template

Our county court claim template helps you draft the core documents needed:

Claimant Details

Full name and address of the person or business making the claim.

Defendant Details

Full name and address of the person or business you are claiming against.

Particulars of Claim

A structured statement of the facts — what happened, what was agreed, and how the debt arose.

Amount Claimed

The specific sum owed, broken down into principal, interest, and any other amounts.

Interest Calculation

How interest is claimed — contractual rate or statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act.

Legal Basis

The cause of action — breach of contract, goods sold, services provided, loan unpaid, etc.

Supporting Evidence

References to invoices, contracts, correspondence, or other documents supporting the claim.

Statement of Truth

The required declaration confirming the facts stated are true.

Court Fee Information

Guidance on applicable court fees based on the claim amount.

Remedy Sought

What you are asking the court to order — payment, interest, and costs.

How to Create a County Court Claim

Follow these steps to prepare your money claim:

1
Send a Letter Before Action
Before issuing proceedings, send the debtor a formal letter giving them a reasonable time (usually 14–30 days) to pay. This is a requirement under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims.
2
Gather Your Evidence
Collect all supporting documents — contracts, invoices, emails, delivery records, and proof of the debt.
3
Draft Particulars of Claim
Set out the facts chronologically, state the amount owed, explain how interest is calculated, and identify the legal basis for your claim.
4
Calculate the Claim Amount
Add up the principal debt, accrued interest, and court fees. You can also claim reasonable costs of recovery.
5
File the Claim
Submit the claim form (N1) and particulars of claim to the court or use Money Claims Online. Pay the applicable court fee.

Legal Considerations

County court claims in England and Wales are governed by the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and the relevant Pre-Action Protocols.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for England & Wales law

Pre-Action Protocol

The UK Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims requires the British claimant to send a letter before action, provide sufficient information about the debt, and allow the debtor time to respond before issuing proceedings in England and Wales. Failure to follow the protocol can result in costs penalties.

Limitation Periods

Most contract debts in England and Wales must be claimed within six years from when the cause of action arose (UK Limitation Act 1980). For British debts under deed, the limitation period is twelve years. If the limitation period has expired, the claim will usually be struck out.

Interest

For UK commercial debts (business to business), the UK Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 allows interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate. For other debts in England and Wales, the court can award interest at 8% under section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984.

Enforcement

Obtaining a UK county court judgment (CCJ) does not guarantee payment. If the British debtor does not pay, you may need to take enforcement action in England and Wales — such as a warrant of control, attachment of earnings, charging order, or third-party debt order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare Your County Court Claim

Use our free template to draft clear particulars of claim. Get your documents ready before filing with the court.

Create Your County Court Claim (N1 Form Companion)Browse All Templates

Free · Instant PDF · No account required