Making a Court Claim
for Money in London
Your complete guide to Money Claim Online (MCOL) and the county court process in London. Step-by-step instructions, court fees, and everything you need to recover money owed to you.
Court
Central London County Court
Thomas More Building, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL
Online Filing
MCOL Available
File online at mcol.justice.gov.uk
Small Claims Limit
Up to £10,000
No solicitor required below this amount
How to Make a Court Claim for Money in London
If someone owes you money and refuses to pay, you can make a court claim to recover what you're owed. In London, this process is handled by Central London County Court.
London handles the highest volume of money claims in the UK. With over 1.1 million businesses and a complex commercial landscape, the Central London County Court and the County Court Money Claims Centre process thousands of claims monthly. The court is well-equipped to handle straightforward money claims, and many Londoners opt for Money Claim Online (MCOL) for speed and convenience.
This guide explains everything you need to know about making a court claim for money in London — from the initial letter before action through to court proceedings and enforcement.
Step-by-Step Guide
Send a Letter Before Action
Before you can make a court claim, you must send the debtor a formal Letter Before Action (LBA). This is a legal requirement and gives them 14 days to pay before you proceed to court. Our Full Recovery Bundle includes a professionally drafted LBA tailored to your specific case.
File Your Claim via MCOL
For claims up to £100,000, you can use Money Claim Online (MCOL) at mcol.justice.gov.uk. This is the fastest and most convenient method. You'll need the defendant's details, the amount claimed, and your particulars of claim. Court fees range from £35 to £455 depending on the amount.
The Defendant Responds
Once served, the defendant has 14 days to respond. They can: (1) Pay the full amount, (2) Admit the claim and propose a payment plan, (3) Defend the claim, or (4) Do nothing. If they don't respond, you can request judgment in default.
Judgment or Hearing
If the defendant pays or admits the claim, you'll receive judgment in your favour. If they defend it, the case may proceed to a hearing. For small claims, hearings are informal and you don't need a solicitor. The judge will hear both sides and make a decision.
Enforcement (If Necessary)
Winning in court doesn't guarantee payment. If the defendant still doesn't pay, you'll need to enforce the judgment. Options include bailiffs (High Court Enforcement Officers for claims over £600), attachment of earnings, charging orders, or third-party debt orders. Our Full Recovery Bundle includes enforcement documents and guidance.
Types of Money Claims in London
Unpaid invoices from clients in the City or Canary Wharf
Rent arrears from tenants in Zones 1-6
Builder or contractor disputes on home renovations
Unpaid loans between individuals
Service disputes with London-based agencies
Tips for Central London County Court
While you can file at Central London County Court in person, most London claimants use MCOL for convenience. If your claim is disputed and proceeds to a hearing, it may be transferred to your local county court or remain in Central London depending on the value and complexity.
External Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Full Recovery Bundle
Everything you need from first demand to enforcement
Was £199 — Save 50%
- Personalised Letter Before Action
- Case Strength Assessment
- Draft N1 Particulars of Claim
- Step-by-Step Court Guide
- Enforcement Documents (N323, N293A)
- Evidence Checklist
- 14-Day Recovery Plan
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Why Choose Claim Builder?
Court-ready documents drafted by legal professionals
Save hours of research and drafting time
Fraction of the cost of a solicitor
Support throughout your claim process
Court Claim Guides for Other Cities
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