Issuing a money claim online (Dudley County Court and Family Court)

Most small money claims are issued online - through the newer Money Claims (OCMC) service or the older Money Claim Online (MCOL) - and only reach Dudley County Court and Family Court if they are defended. The online service issues the claim, serves it, and processes default judgment; the County Court building handles everything that needs a judge.

Eligibility and flow

Online money claims suit fixed or calculable debts against defendants with an address in England or Wales: single claimant, generally one or two defendants, money only (not return of goods or non-money orders), and claims within the small claims value limits. After issue, the defendant has 14 days to respond; no response means you can request default judgment online without ever attending Dudley County Court and Family Court.

When it reaches Dudley County Court and Family Court

A defended claim is transferred for allocation: you both return Directions Questionnaires, the court fixes the track, and the hearing is listed locally. From that moment the 14-day evidence deadline on Form N157 governs your preparation - use the witness statement and exhibit guides on this site.

Checklist

• Check the online service covers your claim type
• Issue fee calculated (4.5% band above £1,000)
• Defendant's address verified before issue
• Post-defence timetable understood

Official sources and related pages

• Claim fees and help with fees
• Defence and Form N9

Court details (verified register data)

• Court: Dudley County Court and Family Court
• Address: The Inhedge, Dudley, Dudley, DY1 1RY
• Phone: 0300 123 5577
• Civil filing email: enquiries.dudley.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• DX: DX 703028 Sheffield 6
• Public counter hours: Monday to Friday
• Document drop-box: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
• Hearing format: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
• Facilities: disabled access

Source: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/dudley-county-court-and-family-court. Verified 2026-09-04. Always confirm against the official court finder before travelling.

Free national support

• Support Through Court: 0300 081 0000 - free, independent support for litigants without a lawyer
• Citizens Advice consumer service: 0808 223 1133 - consumer disputes, pre-claim guidance
• HMCTS general enquiries: 0300 123 7050 - finding the right court or money claim centre

This page is general information about County Court procedure, not legal advice, and it is not provided by HMCTS or any court. Procedures and fees change - always confirm against the official sources linked here before you act.

>Small Claims Court Help is an independent information directory. It is not affiliated with HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice, or any court.

Reviewed by Sean McNamara, 2026-09-04.