Small Claims

You can use this link to view the following Small Claims documents:

• Fees in respect of applications
• Small Claims Guide
• Small Claims Application Form
• Small Claims Checklist
• Outside Jurisdictional Information
• Form 130 Notice of Appeal under Article 30(4)(ab) of the County Courts (Northern Ireland) order 1980
• Form 131 response to an appeal under Article 30(4)(ab) of the County Courts (Northern Ireland) order 1980
• VHCC Counsel Claim Form
• Application for representation by two Counsel in The Crown Court

You can also complete your Small Claim online using our Small Claim Online Service

Making a cross border claim in the European Union

What is a cross border claim?

Cross border claims are cases, in which at least one of the parties is domiciled or habitually resident in a Member State other than the Member State of the court where the action is brought.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU there is no provision after 31 December 2020 to initiate new European cross border claims. Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgements under Order 71 of the Rules of the Court of Judicature (NI) 1980 continue to be available. However, you may want to consider using a process where the respondent resides to try to claim your money back.

What is the European Order for Payment Procedure?

The European Order for Payment (EOP) procedure makes it easier and quicker for creditors to recover uncontested monetary debts in cross border cases. The procedure operates on the basis of standard forms and a uniform process across all EU Member States. It can be used in both civil and commercial matters and does not require the use of lawyers. The procedure is optional and can be used instead of existing procedures under national law.

Following the UK’s Exit from the EU, any judgements given in legal proceedings commenced before 31 December 2020 can continue to apply to a case where –

(a) the application for a EOP is made before 11pm on 31 December 2020; and

(b) enforcement of that EOP is being sought in the United Kingdom.

There is no provision for new incoming or outgoing EOP’s after 31 December 2020. Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgements under Order 71 of the Rules of the Court of Judicature (NI) 1980 continue to be available.

What is the European Small Claims Procedure?

The European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP) provides consumers and businesses all over Europe with a uniform, speedy and affordable debt recovery process for low value claims in cross border cases. The procedure will apply in civil and commercial matters where the value of a claim does not exceed €5000. The procedure applies to non-monetary claims i.e. road traffic accidents and personal injury claim, as well as to monetary claims.

Following the UK's Exit from the EU, any cases ongoing on 31 December 2020 will continue to be processed if the application was lodged before 11pm on 31 December 2020.

There is no provision for new incoming or outgoing European Small Claims (this includes the Republic of Ireland) after 31 December 2020. However, you may want to consider using a process where the respondent resides to try to claim your money back

If you wish to issue a small claim to a respondent (the person against whom the claim is made) who lives outside Northern Ireland but within the UK, you can still use the Northern Ireland small claims procedure, if you are resident in Northern Ireland.