posted 21st July 2025
If you're considering making a small claim in 2025, you're not alone.
Thousands of businesses and individuals across the West Midlands – from Birmingham to Coventry, Walsall, Solihull, and Wolverhampton – turn to the Small Claims Court every year to resolve disputes under £10,000.
But while the process may seem straightforward on the surface, the reality is more complex – and costly – if you don’t get it right. That’s where Meridian Legal Services comes in.
What Is the Small Claims Court?
The Small Claims Court is a civil process designed to resolve disputes where the claim value is relatively low – typically under £10,000 in England and Wales.
You might use it to resolve:
- A dispute with a tradesperson who didn't finish a job
- A customer who refuses to pay for services
- Faulty products that a retailer won't refund
- Tenancy deposit disagreements
Although the system is intended to be user-friendly, don't be fooled: small claims are still subject to strict court procedures – and getting things wrong can result in delays, extra costs, or even your case being thrown out.
Who Can Make a Small Claim?
Whether you're a sole trader in Wolverhampton, a landlord in Coventry, or a resident in Solihull, you can bring a claim. Defendants can be individuals, businesses, landlords, or even local authorities – as long as the dispute involves a monetary loss that can be proven.
Claims often arise from:
- Service agreements gone wrong
- Unpaid invoices or personal loans
- Property damage or nuisance disputes
Small claims can be issued via Money Claim Online (MCOL) or through your local county court – but most people struggle to know which method to use and how to use it effectively.
What's New in 2025?
Digital transformation is continuing across the UK court system. In 2025, new systems include:
- Mandatory use of online portals for certain types of claims.
- Stricter formatting for evidence submission (especially in PDF formats).
- Shorter response times and limited scope to amend errors.
- AI-based tools are being trialled to sort claims, potentially misclassifying them.
Unfortunately, this "streamlining" has made it easier to make serious mistakes early on. We've seen an increase in clients whose claims are delayed or dismissed due to procedural issues that weren't present a few years ago.
Key Stages of a Small Claim (What You Should Expect)
Here's a brief outline of the process – but keep in mind each stage requires careful preparation:
- Pre-action steps
You must follow a "pre-action protocol" – usually involving a written letter of claim. If you skip this, the court may penalise you later.
- Issuing the claim
Claims are made through MCOL or a paper N1 form. You must include the right parties, the correct legal basis, and the specific remedy sought.
- The defendant's response
They may pay, ignore, or defend the claim. A defence could be detailed and legally complex. If they counterclaim, it adds another layer.
- Directions and evidence
If defended, the court may issue directions. You'll need to exchange documents, write witness statements, and adhere to deadlines.
- The hearing
Usually held at a local court like Birmingham, Coventry, or Wolverhampton County Court. You'll present your case, cross-examine, and await judgment.
These steps are deceptively simple – but the devil is in the details, especially when presenting clear, persuasive evidence.
Local Knowledge = Local Advantage
Not all courts are the same. Knowing how Coventry Combined Court differs from Walsall County Court in scheduling hearings or how Birmingham judges expect documents to be submitted can make a real difference.
At Meridian Legal Services, we've worked in courts across: Solihull, Dudley, West Bromwich, Leamington Spa, Sutton Coldfield and many more.
We tailor our advice not only to the legal process but also give you the advantage of having direct access to barristers.
When Should You Get Help?
It's tempting to try to handle everything yourself, but once things go wrong, it's often too late to recover. Even experienced business owners run into trouble with evidence, formatting, and interpreting court directions. Meridian Legal Services can help you:
- Decide if you have a valid claim
- Draft a legally sound letter of claim
- Complete forms accurately and on time
- Arrange Representation or prepare you for court
We offer fixed-fee advice and court support – with local barristers ready to help.
Contact Us Today
Don't let a simple mistake ruin your case. We're here to guide you if you're thinking about going to the Small Claims Court – or if you've already started and feel overwhelmed.
Need help with a small claim in 2025? Meridian Legal Services helps individuals and businesses across the West Midlands with fixed-fee legal help.
Call us today to arrange a free consulatation.
Tel: 0121 5160675.
