Category: Going to Court
Understanding Court Fees: What You Need to Know and Pay
What Are Court Fees? Court fees are charges you must pay to the court when you start or progress a legal case in the UK. These fees help cover the cost of running the courts and providing essential services, such as processing paperwork, scheduling hearings, and maintaining court facilities. The main purpose of court fees…
How to Make a Counter-Claim in UK Court Proceedings
What is a Counter-Claim? A counter-claim is a legal claim you make in response to someone else taking you to court. If you are being sued or taken to court (known as the claimant bringing a claim against you), a counter-claim allows you to raise your own complaint against that person within the same case.…
Court Hearings and Trials in the UK: Legal Overview
Introduction to Court Day A court day is when you attend court for a hearing or trial, giving you the chance to present your side of a case or respond to claims made against you. Courts in the UK deal with many types of cases, including criminal offences, family matters, civil disputes, and more. The…
How to Get Help With Court Fees and Fee Waivers in the UK
Understanding Fee Waivers and Help With Fees (HWF) Fee waivers and Help With Fees (HWF) are vital parts of the UK court system, designed to make sure that everyone has fair access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. Court fees can be a significant barrier for many people, especially if you are on a…
How to File a Defence in UK Court: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding What a Defence Is A defence is your formal, written response to a claim made against you in court. In legal terms, it sets out your side of the story – explaining why you disagree with the claim, correcting any errors, or providing your own evidence and arguments. Filing a defence is your main…
Defending Against a Claim: Legal Overview
Understanding a Claim Against You When someone makes a claim against you in a UK court, it means they believe you owe them money, have breached a contract, or are otherwise responsible for a legal wrong. The claim will usually arrive as a formal document – often called a ‘claim form’ or ‘particulars of claim’…
How to Fund Your Court Case: Legal Funding Options Explained
Understanding the Costs Involved in Your Case When considering taking a case to court, it’s essential to understand the different costs you might face. Planning ahead can help you manage expenses and avoid unexpected financial pressure. Typical Costs When Going to Court The main costs involved in a court case usually include: For a more…
How to Write a Character Reference Letter for Court UK
What is a Character Reference for Court? A character reference for court is a letter written to a judge that describes a person’s character, behaviour, and background. Its main purpose is to help the court gain a fuller picture of the individual beyond the details of the case. By offering a personal perspective, a character…
Should You Settle a Legal Dispute? Key UK Guidance
What Is a Settlement? A settlement is an agreement reached between parties involved in a dispute, allowing them to resolve their issues without going through a full trial in court. In the context of UK courts, a settlement can be reached at almost any stage of the legal process – sometimes even after a case…
Preparing to Go to Court: Legal Overview
Introduction to Preparing for Court Preparing for a court hearing is an important step in making sure your case is presented clearly and confidently. Good preparation can help you feel more in control, whether you are representing yourself or working with a lawyer. Before you start gathering documents or planning your arguments, it’s helpful to…
