Your small claims hearing at North Shields County Court and Family Court

A small claims hearing at North Shields County Court and Family Court is deliberately informal: no wigs, no formal evidence rules, and the judge actively runs the questioning. Expect the whole allotted time - often the morning or afternoon list - and prepare to be flexible. Knowing the shape of the day removes most of the fear.

The shape of the day

Arrive 30 minutes early, report to the listing office, and bring your bundle plus three printed copies. The judge checks identities and the claim, then usually walks through the documents with both sides, asks each party to explain their case, and lets each question the other. Small claims relax the strict evidence rules (CPR 27), so the judge can limit cross-examination and control the clock.

Practical rules

Address the judge as 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Answer questions directly; never argue with the other side across you. If a document matters, say which exhibit page it is on. Judgment may be given immediately or reserved and posted later. Costs in small claims are limited - generally fixed court fees and modest expenses, not the other side's lawyer time (there usually is none).

Checklist

• 3 printed copies of the full bundle
• Arrival 30 minutes before the listed time
• Exhibit index to hand for quick references
• Questions for the other side written down in advance

Official sources and related pages

• Court profile: {COURT}
• Filing your witness statement

Court details (verified register data)

• Court: North Shields County Court and Family Court
• Address: Kings Court, North Shields, North Shields, NE29 6AR
• Phone: 0300 123 5577
• Civil filing email: civil.northshields.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• DX: DX 97641 Bury St Edmunds 3
• Public counter hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
• 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/north-shields-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.