Small Claims Court in Surrey
Surrey is an affluent county in South East England, part of the London commuter belt with high property values and a strong service economy.
Surrey's status as a London commuter county with high property values influences its small claims profile. The county sees significant property-related disputes, professional services claims, and high-value consumer disputes. Guildford County Court serves the county, though many residents use MCOL given the proximity to London and familiarity with online services.
Courts Serving Surrey
Surrey claims are primarily handled by Guildford County Court. Given the county's affluence and proximity to London, many claims are filed via MCOL rather than in person.
For specific court addresses, contact details, and opening hours, use the gov.uk court finder.
Major Towns in Surrey
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 Surrey
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 Surrey 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 Surrey
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 Surrey
High-value property and construction disputes
Professional services fee recovery
Financial services and investment disputes
Luxury goods and services consumer claims
Technology and pharmaceutical industry contract disputes
What You Need to Make a Small Claim in Surrey
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 Surrey?
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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
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