WIN - Another Loss for Gladstones

jaycee31

Claimant's solicitor finally filed DQ (late) after being chased up by court reminder, confirming they still intend to proceed.  The fun is about to recommence.

jaycee31

In court on Friday, just submitted final WS.

What is the court process likely to look like?  Do I just read my Defence and WS verbatim?
Will I be challenged by the Claimant or is it all down to their WS and mine?

Thanks in advance.

Jenni_D

YouTube - there are a few video guides to the small claims court process. (It's essentially like Judge Rinder but without the theatrics).

Is yours an in-person hearing?

Umkomaas

The Claimant presents their case, the Judge will give you the opportunity to respond. You don't read your Defence out verbatim.  The Judge may ask you some questions, and ask the Claimant some questions. The Claimant may be given the opportunity to ask you some questions, and you might be given the opportunity to ask the Claimant some questions. 

Sometimes the Judge gives neither side the opportunity to say much at all, having already pretty much made up his/her mind from the papers received. The Judge will control the event.  

Have you watched this? Originally posted by forum regular @KeithP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n93eoaxhzpU

jaycee31

Jenni_D said:

YouTube - there are a few video guides to the small claims court process. (It's essentially like Judge Rinder but without the theatrics).

Is yours an in-person hearing?

According to the court letter.  I'm assuming it is unlikely to change now.

Le_Kirk

jaycee31 said:

In court on Friday, just submitted final WS.

That seems very tight to the hearing date; it is usually 14 days before!  Did you receive special dispensation to submit late or is it a supplementary WS or is there some other reason that I am missing?

jaycee31

Le_Kirk said:

jaycee31 said:

In court on Friday, just submitted final WS.

That seems very tight to the hearing date; it is usually 14 days before!  Did you receive special dispensation to submit late or is it a supplementary WS or is there some other reason that I am missing?

It said not later than 3 days before and no sooner than 7 days.

Jenni_D

When did you receive the Claimant's WS? (Have you received it?)

jaycee31 said:

It said not later than 3 days before and no sooner than 7 days.

That does seem unusual - I'd be minded to go back and re-read all paperwork received from the court.

jaycee31

Jenni_D said:

When did you receive the Claimant's WS? (Have you received it?)

jaycee31 said:

It said not later than 3 days before and no sooner than 7 days.

That does seem unusual - I'd be minded to go back and re-read all paperwork received from the court.

Will do, thanks.

I haven't received the Claimant's WS yet.  They do seem to be "half-arsed" at everything.  They missed the deadline (deliberately?) last time for the CCJ set aside hearing and the deadline for the DQ.

I submitted mine electronically and the judge used that - claimed he hadn't seen the formal complete bundle from the Claimant.

Coupon-mad

Did you copy in the claimant or their solicitor? Sounds like you did everything right.

Bung in a costs schedule in case they discontinue - quick!