Small Claims Court in Cornwall
Cornwall is a ceremonial county in South West England, forming the southwestern tip of the island of Great Britain with a distinct cultural identity.
Cornwall's economy is heavily based on tourism, agriculture, and increasingly, tech and aerospace industries. Truro County Court serves the county. The seasonal tourism economy creates unique small claims patterns, with many hospitality disputes arising from the summer season. The growing aerospace sector at Newquay and tech hub in Falmouth generate modern commercial claims.
Courts Serving Cornwall
Cornwall claims are handled by Truro County Court. Given Cornwall's geography, MCOL is particularly popular for avoiding long journeys to court.
For specific court addresses, contact details, and opening hours, use the gov.uk court finder.
Major Towns in Cornwall
Small claims can be made from any of these locations. Click a town to view city-specific guidance.
Step-by-Step: Making a Small Claim in Cornwall
Send a Letter Before Action (LBA)
Before filing a court claim, you must send the debtor a formal Letter Before Action. This is a legal requirement under the Pre-Action Protocol and gives them 14 days to pay. Many debts in Cornwall are settled at this stage — a professional legal letter is often enough to prompt payment without going to court.
File Your Claim via MCOL or Court
If the debtor doesn't pay within 14 days, file your claim online at mcol.justice.gov.uk or submit paper forms at your local county court. You'll need the defendant's full name and address, 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 — the court rules in your favour without a hearing.
Hearing (If Defended)
If the defendant defends the claim, the court will allocate it to the small claims track and may set a hearing date. Small claims hearings are informal — you don't need a solicitor. The judge will hear both sides and make a decision, usually on the day.
Enforcement (If They Still Don't Pay)
Winning in court doesn't guarantee payment. If the defendant still doesn't pay after judgment, you'll need to enforce it. Options include bailiffs (High Court Enforcement Officers for claims over £600), attachment of earnings, charging orders, or third-party debt orders. Our pack includes enforcement documents and guidance.
Small Claims Court Fees in Cornwall
Court fees are paid when you file your claim and are recoverable from the defendant if you win. Fees are set by HMCTS and apply across all county courts in England and Wales.
| Claim Amount | Court Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £35 |
| £300.01 – £500 | £50 |
| £500.01 – £1,000 | £70 |
| £1,000.01 – £1,500 | £80 |
| £1,500.01 – £3,000 | £115 |
| £3,000.01 – £5,000 | £205 |
| £5,000.01 – £10,000 | £455 |
| £10,000.01 – £100,000 | 5% of claim |
Fees are recoverable from the defendant if you win. You may be eligible for a fee remission if you receive certain benefits — check at gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees.
Types of Small Claims in Cornwall
Tourism and hospitality seasonal disputes
Agricultural and fishing industry claims
Aerospace supply chain disputes
Tech startup contract issues
Coastal property and second home disputes
What You Need to Make a Small Claim in Cornwall
Defendant's Details
Full name and address of the person or business you're claiming against. For businesses, use the registered address.
The Amount Owed
The exact amount you're claiming, plus any interest. You can claim statutory interest at 8% above base rate on commercial debts.
Particulars of Claim
A brief written statement explaining why you're owed the money — what was agreed, what was delivered, and what hasn't been paid.
Supporting Evidence
Invoices, contracts, emails, text messages, photos of completed work, bank transfer records — anything that supports your claim.
Proof of LBA
Evidence that you sent a Letter Before Action and gave the defendant 14 days to respond before filing.
Court Fee Payment
Payment by card (online via MCOL) or cheque/card at the court office. Fees range from £35 to £455 depending on the claim amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help with Your Small Claim in Cornwall?
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Debt Recovery Pack
Everything you need from first demand to enforcement
One-off payment · Instant download
- Personalised Letter Before Action
- Case Strength Assessment
- Particulars of Claim Draft
- Step-by-Step Court Guide
- Enforcement Documents
- Evidence Checklist
- 14-Day Recovery Plan
No subscription · No solicitor needed
Related Guides
Nearby Counties
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