Going to small claims court?

Horlock

This possibly isn't the right place, but basically I'm owed money by a company who I believe I need to take to a small claims court. It is less than £200 so not a big problem as far as I'm aware. I believe I can do everything I need online - but any advice greatly appreciated.

There is however, one very specific question that I need to have answered, and this is more important to me than anything else. Sorry to write it in bold but it is the bit I really want answered.

How long will the process take?

The reason is that I am a school teacher so I want the court case to take place during the summer holidays. So I don't want to start the process too soon, nor do I want to leave it until the holidays if it could be 6 weeks before it goes to court. Obviously, I wouldn't be surprised if as soon as the demand arrives the other party pays up, but in the event that they actually decide to go to court, how long should I expect to wait. To clarify I'm not talking about how long until I have my £200 in the bank - just how long until I need to walk into a court room and present my side of the story.

Thanks very much.

bod1467

Even if you file a claim now there's no guarantee any hearing will fall during summer recess. (I've heard anecdotally that it can sometimes take a year before reaching the hearing stage).

But filing a claim is often enough to get people to pay up. In fact, just sending a Letter Before Action (basically advising that you'll initiate court action if they don't pay within X days) is often enough.

Computersaysno

Your best bet is to get your claim in ASAP and there is an opportunity as part of the allocation hearing/papers to say when you can't make it.

So at that point you could explain you need hearing between 5th July and 4th sept or whatever.....

Equaliser123

Why not call your local County Court. They will have a very accurate idea as to how long - from receipt of Defence - it is taking to allocate a hearing date.