How much does it cost to make a small claim in Kent?

Court fees depend on the amount you're claiming. For claims up to £300, the fee is £35. For claims between £300–£500, it's £50. For claims between £500–£1,000, it's £70. For claims up to £10,000 (the small claims limit in England and Wales), fees range from £80–£455. These fees are added to your claim and recoverable from the defendant if you win.

Do I need a solicitor for small claims court in Kent?

No. The small claims track is specifically designed to be used by individuals and businesses without legal representation. For claims up to £10,000, you do not need a solicitor. Our Debt Recovery Pack provides all the documents and guidance you need to pursue your claim yourself.

What types of claims can I make in Kent small claims court?

You can claim for unpaid invoices, rent arrears, personal loans, goods supplied but not paid for, poor workmanship, consumer disputes, and most other money claims up to £10,000. You cannot use the small claims track for personal injury claims over £1,000 or housing disrepair claims over £1,000.

What happens if the defendant doesn't respond to my claim in Kent?

If the defendant doesn't respond within 14 days of being served, you can apply for a default judgment. This means the court rules in your favour without a hearing. You can then enforce the judgment using bailiffs, attachment of earnings, or other enforcement methods.

How long does a small claim take in Kent?

If the defendant pays or doesn't respond, the process typically takes 4–8 weeks for uncontested claims. If the claim is defended and goes to a hearing, it can take 4–6 months if defended. Sending a professional Letter Before Action before filing often resolves the matter without going to court at all.

Can I use Money Claim Online (MCOL) in Kent?

Yes. MCOL is available for claims up to £100,000 throughout England and Wales. For straightforward money claims, MCOL is the fastest and most convenient option. You can file your claim online at any time, pay the court fee by card, and track the progress of your claim through the online portal at mcol.justice.gov.uk.

Small Claims Court Kent | County Guide

About Kent

Small Claims Court in Kent

Kent, known as the "Garden of England," is a county in South East England with strong connections to London and continental Europe via the Channel ports.

Kent's proximity to London and its role as a major logistics and transport hub creates unique small claims scenarios. The county has a mix of agricultural, logistics, tourism, and commuter-driven economies. Canterbury County Court and Maidstone County Court serve the county, with many claimants opting for MCOL online filing. The high volume of cross-border trade can sometimes complicate jurisdiction questions.

Courts

Courts Serving Kent

Kent claims are handled by Canterbury County Court or Maidstone County Court. Given Kent's proximity to London, some claims may be transferred to Central London County Court for complex matters.

For specific court addresses, contact details, and opening hours, use the gov.uk court finder.

Towns & Cities

Major Towns in Kent

Small claims can be made from any of these locations. Click a town to view city-specific guidance.

Maidstone Canterbury Dover Folkestone Ashford Tunbridge Wells Dartford Gravesend Margate Ramsgate Whitstable Sittingbourne Sevenoaks

The Process

Step-by-Step: Making a Small Claim in Kent

Step 1

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 Kent are settled at this stage — a professional legal letter is often enough to prompt payment without going to court.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Court Fees

Small Claims Court Fees in Kent

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.

Common Scenarios

Types of Small Claims in Kent

Cross-border trade and logistics disputes

Agricultural supply and equipment disputes

Tourism and hospitality business debts

Commuter property disputes

Channel port-related commercial claims

Before You File

What You Need to Make a Small Claim in Kent

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.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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