3) Where to start proceedings

Question 1

County Court

Answer 1

If the value of the claim is £100,000 or less it must be started in the county court

Question 2

Personal Injury

Answer 2

For a claim for damages in respect of personal injuries they cannot be started in the high court unless the value of the claim is £50,000 or more

Question 3

High Court

Answer 3

For claims in excess of £100,000 the claimant has a choice of which court to use. In addition to the value of the claim the high court may also be used if there are other factors present:
- The claim is complex either in relation to the facts the legal issues the remedy or the procedures
- The outcome is important to the public in general

Question 4

Money-only claims

Answer 4

All money-only claims must be sent to the Civil National Business Centre

Question 5

The King’s Bench Division

Answer 5

A division of the High Court. Primarily in contract and tort

Question 6

The Chancery Division

Answer 6

A division of the High Court. Used for disputes over land, trusts, contentious inheritance matters, partnership claims and company law

Question 7

The Family Division

Answer 7

A division of the High Court. Family disputes

Question 8

The Business and Property Courts

Answer 8

Commercial Court - deals with complex cases arising out of business disputes over contracts, insurance, banking and finance
Technology and Construction Court - handles claims about buildings, engineering and surveying