The "Letter Before Action"
You cannot just sue immediately. The court expects you to try and settle first. You must send a formal "Letter Before Action" detailing:
- What you are claiming (the exact amount).
- Why you are claiming it (the facts).
- A reasonable deadline for them to pay (e.g., 14 days).
- A statement that you will start court proceedings if they don't value your claim.
Money Claim Online (MCOL)
If they ignore you, you go to Money Claim Online. It's the Government's digital service for small claims.
- Register: Create an account.
- Fill in the details: Who you are, who they are, how much they owe.
- Pay the fee: Starts from £35 (recoverable if you win).
- Wait: The court sends the claim to the defendant. They have 14 days to reply.
What happens next?
They might pay up (often just receiving the court papers is enough to scare them). If they defend the claim, you might have to go to a mediation appointment (by phone) or a short hearing at a local county court. It's informal—usually just you, them, and a judge around a table.
What if they still don't pay?
Winning is only half the battle. If they have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against them and still refuse to pay, you can upgrade to the High Court (if over £600).
This costs ~£71 but allows you to instruct High Court Enforcement Officers. They have far more power to enter premises and seize goods than county court bailiffs.