Stop chasing. Start claiming.
You did the work. They haven’t paid. File a court claim and let the County Court chase them for you.
You shouldn’t have to beg to be paid
Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, or small business — if a client owes you money and won’t pay, the small claims court is designed for exactly this. No solicitor, no legal jargon, and most debtors pay up the moment they receive court papers.
Tell us who owes you
The client or company name, the amount, and a brief description of the work you did. Upload your invoice if you have it.
Builds your case
We draft a formal Letter Before Action and your Particulars of Claim in the language courts expect. You review before anything is sent.
We file with the court
Your N1 claim form is submitted to the County Court. The defendant is officially served and has 14 days to pay or respond.
What evidence do I need?
Less than you think. Any of the following helps, but even a text message agreeing to pay is enough:
- Your invoice (even if unpaid)
- Emails or messages agreeing the work
- A written contract or proposal
- Bank transfer showing a partial payment
- Screenshots of messages chasing for payment
Don’t have a written contract? That’s fine. Verbal agreements are legally binding in England and Wales. The fact that you did the work and they accepted it is evidence of a contract.
Common questions
I’m a freelancer with no written contract. Can I still claim?
Yes. A verbal agreement, email exchange, or even a text message confirming the work counts as a contract. If they accepted the work and haven’t paid, you have a valid claim.
The company says they’re “disputing” the invoice. What now?
File anyway. Many clients use “dispute” as a stalling tactic. Once they receive formal court papers, they usually pay. If they genuinely dispute it, the court will hear both sides.
Can I claim interest on the unpaid amount?
Yes. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act, you can claim 8% annual interest plus the Bank of England base rate, plus a fixed compensation amount (\u00a340–\u00a3100 depending on the debt size).
What if the client is a limited company that might not pay?
A county court judgment (CCJ) against a company appears on their credit file and public record. Most businesses pay quickly to avoid this, as it affects their ability to get credit, win contracts, and maintain their reputation.
How much does it cost?
Court fees start at \u00a335 for claims up to \u00a3300, rising to \u00a3455 for claims up to \u00a310,000. Plus a \u00a379 JustClaim service fee. Court fees are refunded if you win.
Stop chasing. File a claim.
Builds your case. We file it.
Done chasing invoices?
File a court claim in 5 minutes. Most clients pay once they receive court papers.
Recover my money