The two routes of issuing Court proceedings

legal_magpie

As there seems to be some confusion about this I will try to make it clear. There are two ways you can commence a money claim.
(1) Money Claim online (MCOL)
(2) A standard money Claim sent to Salford Business centre (usually by post)

1. Money Claim online
All claims issued on MCOL are handled by a section of the Bulk Issue centre which although nominally is part of the Northampton County Court (now incidentally officially known as the County Court sitting at Northampton as there is now one County Court for the whole country) it is in a separate building, has different contact numbers and staff.

If a claim is defended it is transferred from MCOL to another County Court (using the old terminology) normally the Claimant's home Court.

MCOL is limited because you cannot use it where there is more than one Claimant.

2. Salford Business Centre
You used to be able to commence a money claim in any county Court but for over a year you have had to send the papers to Salford Business centre which, just to confuse you further, is also part of the Northampton County Court. Again, if the claim is defended it is sent to another Court, again usually the Claimant's preferred Court.

You must use method 2 if you don't have access to the internet (in which case you won't be reading this!) and if there is more than one Claimant. Otherwise you can use either.

This is why all cases seem to be handled in Northampton at the outset.
Incidentally, my office is also in Northampton.

When a case arrives at the preferred court it is considered by a Judge who gives directions. These normally cover the whole course of the case including a final hearing and the possibility of a referral to mediation.
JJ

David_e

legal_magpie wrote: »

You used to be able to commence a money claim in any county Court but for over a year you have had to send the papers to Salford Business centre

Very useful post. I put my claim in, in person, at the local CC and that was less than a year ago (although not by much, to be fair). (They, as I understand it, forwarded to Salford.) Is this an immutable rule or do courts have discretion to accept claims in person?

legal_magpie

Thanks David. You are supposed to send it to Salford but most Courts will send the papers for litigants in person. This is useful if the limitation period is about to run out.
If you want more, try the practice direction 7A
http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules/part07/pd_part07a#4A.1

David_e

legal_magpie wrote: »

Thanks David. You are supposed to send it to Salford but most Courts will send the papers for litigants in person. This is useful if the limitation period is about to run out.
If you want more, try the practice direction 7A

Thanks, that explains it; I was right down to the wire! It meant I wasn't running the risk of a Royal Mail delay or the expense of a courier.