The cost to go to small claims court varies by location, claim amount, and additional factors such as serving fees and whether you use legal representation. In general:
- Court filing fees typically range from about $10 to $75 in the US, with an average around $40-$125 including serving fees.
- For the UK, fees depend on the claim amount, for example, £35 for claims up to £300, £50 for claims £300.01 to £500, and higher fees for larger claims. Hearing fees apply if the case goes to court.
- Some courts waive fees for low-income individuals.
- Legal representation is usually not required or recommended in small claims court, which keeps costs lower.
- Additional costs might include serving fees to notify the defendant, which can range from $40-$125.
- Other possible costs include time off work or travel expenses for attending court.
Specifically, in England and Wales:
- Court fees range from £35 for claims up to £300 to £455 for claims up to £10,000.
- If you win, court fees are generally recoverable from the losing party.
- You might also pay hearing fees if the case proceeds to court, ranging from £27 to several hundred pounds depending on claim size.
In the US, typical filing costs are around $40-$75 plus service fees, with no attorney fees necessary if self-representing. Costs can vary widely depending on jurisdiction and claim specifics, so it is best to check local court rules. This summary combines costs from US and UK small claims courts as examples of typical expenses.
