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Small Claims Court - preliminary hearing

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I'm hoping for some advice on behalf of a defendant of a small claims court hearing.

A preliminary 30min hearing has been scheduled - fingers crossed that it will mean the case is unfounded.

But we can find no information anywhere about what to expect. Mainly, whether or not anyone else is permitted to attend the hearing.

I am aware that McKenzie friends and Lay representatives are allowed at the small claims court hearing if the court has been informed of their intent to be present before hand, but I would like to know if the same applies to the preliminary hearing.

The defendant would hate to turn up on the day to be greeted by the claimant and an "entourage".

I presume the main aim of the preliminary hearing is for the judge to further expand on the claim submitted to see if there are any ground for the claim. Would any additional evidence / statements be required (I would have thought it would make sense to have with the defendant anything that they would have intended to submit at the actual hearing?).

Many Thanks in advance for any help you can offer :)
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