Small claims mediation for Dudley County Court and Family Court claims
Before your Dudley County Court and Family Court small claim reaches a hearing, HMCTS offers a free one-hour telephone mediation through its Small Claims Mediation Service. It is voluntary, confidential and without prejudice - and since May 2024 qualifying small claims are contacted for opt-out mediation as standard. Preparing properly for the call costs little and settles a large share of claims.
How the call works
A mediator speaks to each party separately by phone, shuttles proposals between you, and never imposes an outcome or gives advice. Anything said is without prejudice - it cannot be used against you at the hearing if mediation fails. If you agree, the agreement is recorded and can be made an order; if not, the claim simply continues on the ordinary timetable.
Preparing in 30 minutes
Write one side of A4: what you claim, why, your best evidence, and the minimum you would accept. Have your figures and key documents to hand. Do not reveal your bottom line - give the mediator the range you can live with. Most failed mediations fail on preparation, not on the merits.
Checklist
- One-page case summary written
- Minimum acceptable outcome decided privately
- Key documents at hand for the call
- Diary cleared for the allotted hour
Official sources and related pages
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.