Small claims support · England and Wales
A smaller claim can still feel like a big worry.
Practical help to organise your paperwork, understand the process and prepare for each agreed stage of bringing or defending a small claim.
What this service covers
This service is for suitable civil claims in England and Wales, whether you are owed money or someone is claiming against you. Typical examples are disputes about faulty goods, services that were not provided as agreed, or poor workmanship.
Ordinary small claims are generally claims up to £10,000. There are exceptions, and the court decides which track a claim is allocated to, so please do not treat that figure as a fixed rule.
Our role is practical assistance with organising and preparing. You remain responsible for your case, your decisions, your evidence, your signatures, filing and serving documents, and meeting court deadlines. We do not manage proceedings, write to anyone as your legal representative or take responsibility for court deadlines.
Practical support at every agreed stage
Six stages, at your pace
You choose which stages you would like help with. Many people need only one or two.
1.Organise the facts
- Collecting contracts, receipts, invoices, correspondence, photographs and other records in one place.
- Preparing a chronology and a factual summary from the information you give us.
2.Prepare before court action
- Organising the history of your complaint, and typing factual draft letters for you to review and send yourself.
- Pointing you to official guidance on the steps expected before a claim and on ways to resolve the dispute.
Not every claim follows the same pre-action steps or timescale. We will point you to the guidance that applies to yours.
3.Prepare a claim or response
- Organising the information the forms ask for.
- Preparing drafts based on your instructions.
You check and approve the content, sign any required declarations, and submit or serve your own documents. We do not take over the running of your claim.
4.Prepare for mediation
- Organising the facts, figures, documents and questions you want to raise.
- Noting the practical outcomes you would like to discuss.
Court-arranged mediation may be required, depending on the claim and the process that applies. Follow the court's notice and instructions. You decide whether to settle. We are not mediators.
5.Prepare for the hearing
- Organising your papers in line with the directions in your court order, including an index, chronology and hearing checklist where appropriate.
Your court order sets the dates and requirements, and it always comes first. Preparing papers is kept separate from your evidence, which must remain your own.
6.Hearing support and next steps
- McKenzie Friend support at the hearing, where agreed and where the court permits it.
- Afterwards, organising the judgment, noting the dates it states and finding the official information about next steps.
Appeals, enforcement and complex legal issues may need separate specialist advice.
Fees and what to expect
Before any work begins, we agree the scope and our fee with you in writing. Court fees and any other external charges are identified separately.
You should not assume that our support fees can be recovered from the other party, even if you win. We cannot promise success, a particular award or that any money will be recovered. How our fees work.
Worried about the hearing itself? See court preparation and hearing-day support and McKenzie Friend hearing support.
Free help
These services are free. Please contact them too, especially if you are unsure where you stand.
Support Through Court
0300 081 0006Practical and emotional support with going to court. They give no legal advice.
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848Free, independent advice.
Common questions
Can you help me bring or defend a small claim?
Yes. We give practical support at every agreed stage, whether you are making a claim or responding to one, for suitable civil claims in England and Wales, such as disputes about goods, services or workmanship. You remain responsible for your case, decisions, evidence, signatures, filing and serving documents, and court deadlines.
Can you help me prepare for mediation?
Yes. We can help you organise the facts, figures, documents and questions you want to raise, and note the practical outcomes you would like to discuss. Whether to settle is always your decision. We are not mediators.
Can you attend court with me?
Often, yes, where it is agreed and permitted. People representing themselves can ask for a McKenzie Friend to sit with them, and the court decides. We cannot promise that we will be admitted to a hearing, or that we can sit beside you while you give evidence; that depends on the court's arrangements.
Can you speak for me?
No. A McKenzie Friend can offer moral support, take notes, help with your case papers and quietly give help within the court's rules, but does not have an automatic right to address the court, question witnesses or run your case. We will not ask for permission to speak for you.
Can you help if I already have a solicitor?
Yes, where it is appropriate. Our support is practical and works alongside your solicitor or barrister, for example organising papers or noting questions to ask them. We agree responsibilities first so roles are clear. Having a legal representative does not mean you will automatically receive McKenzie Friend assistance; your representative and the court deal with your case.
Can I recover your fees if I win?
You should not assume that our support fees can be recovered from the other party, even if you win. We agree the scope and our fee in writing before any work starts, and court fees and any other external charges are identified separately.
What should I bring to the first discussion?
Just a short summary of what has happened and any key dates, such as a hearing date or a deadline on a letter. Please do not send original or physical documents. If we agree to work together, we will explain how to share digital scanned copies.
Talk through your claim
Tell us where things stand, whether you are bringing or defending a claim, and any dates on your court papers. We will explain honestly whether our support is right for you.
Please don't send documents or personal details until we've agreed how we'll work together.
We are not a law firm. You remain responsible for your case, your evidence and your decisions. Please do not send case documents through the enquiry form.