Small Claims Court in Sussex
Sussex is a historic county on the English Channel coast, divided into East Sussex and West Sussex, featuring the vibrant city of Brighton and the South Downs.
Sussex combines a thriving creative and digital sector in Brighton with traditional agriculture and tourism across the South Downs. Brighton County Court serves the western part, while Hastings and Eastbourne have courts for eastern Sussex. The county's strong tourist economy generates seasonal business disputes, while the creative sector produces intellectual property and contract disputes.
Courts Serving Sussex
Sussex claims are handled by Brighton County Court (West Sussex) or Hastings County Court / Eastbourne County Court (East Sussex). Many claimants use MCOL for convenience.
For specific court addresses, contact details, and opening hours, use the gov.uk court finder.
Major Towns in Sussex
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 Sussex
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 Sussex 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 Sussex
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 Sussex
Creative and digital agency invoice disputes
Tourism and hospitality seasonal business debts
Agricultural land and equipment disputes
Property development in coastal areas
Events and festival contract disputes
What You Need to Make a Small Claim in Sussex
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 Sussex?
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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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