Small Claims Mediation Service - what to expect

This guide is part of this site's national procedural library. Every figure and rule on this page traces to the official sources cited.

What it is

free 1-hour telephone mediation offered by HMCTS before a small claims hearing is listed; since May 2024 parties in qualifying claims are contacted for opt-out mediation. Source: gov.uk/courts-tribunals/small-claims-mediation; MoJ announcement May 2024

The call

A mediator shuttles between the parties by phone; without prejudice; nothing agreed is binding until recorded as an order.

Preparation

One-page summary, private bottom line, documents to hand, diary cleared.

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

Filing a witness statement? The Casewright CPR Part 32 Witness Statement & Bundle Builder structures your statement into CPR 32-compliant numbered paragraphs with a correct statement of truth and indexed exhibits - flat £79. This site is independent of Casewright; link is a sponsored referral.

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.