Court Claim Received - Found in favour of VCS :-(

danonj

So my day in court is coming up next week, and I've asked the court if the hearing is still going ahead given the current environment.  And they wrote to me to say that it is!
I wouldn't have thought that this would be classed as essential travel and although I want to be there for the hearing I do not want to travel to the court.  I'm going to email them again to say I won't be attending, but would like the hearing postponed until it is safe to travel.
Any advice on my rights regarding this?  In other circumstances, if there was an emergency that caused you not to be able to appear, what would happen?

D_P_Dance

I agree entirely, I have just cancelled an appointment with my dentist in regard ongoing implant surgery.  Why not tell the court you need postponement sine die.  

Redx

danonj said:

In other circumstances, if there was an emergency that caused you not to be able to appear, what would happen?

You would ask for it to be heard on papers

D_P_Dance

It is hypothetical anyway, I predict that, when things settle, eviction cases will take priority.   Despite what many tenants may think, most landlords are not wealthy.

danonj

Would you believe it a letter just fell on to my door mat, hearing has been adjourned until after May.
Yeah, you would hope that hearings like these parking ones are kicked into the long grass while other more important cases are heard.  With any luck VCS and the likes will go bump while we wait.

Fruitcake

In my opinion neither the claimant or defendant should travel unnecessarily. 
Definitely contact the court again. Ask your MP if she/he thinks it is classed as essential travel.

It would be unfair to have this heard on papers, and would put you at a severe disadvantage if you were unable to attend but the claimant did.
Conference 'phone court hearings would not be practical either in my opinion, especially if one or other didn't have the facility or ability to do so.

Edit, I just saw your new post. Let's hope that is applied across the country.

Redx

This one went ahead by phone call

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6038857/won-small-claims-court-case/p4

In these challenging times , things change by the hour , so forbearance is required , as Martin Lewis says

danonj

I now have a new date of the end of March for the hearing, which is now going ahead by way of remote video hearing.
I need to do some reading of the forum again and start preparing my electronic bundle

Umkomaas

danonj said:

I now have a new date of the end of March for the hearing, which is now going ahead by way of remote video hearing.
I need to do some reading of the forum again and start preparing my electronic bundle

Seriously?  Wow hearings being scheduled 5 months in advance!

Coupon-mad

Re-read the NEWBIES thread at each stage. Everything is there, right up to a recent WS example and hearing tips.