Is it worth taking a client to small claims court?
Sometimes, for a debt large enough to be worth a few days of your time and small enough to fit under the limit. In England and Wales the small claims track covers most claims up to £10,000. In the US the limit is set by each state, from a few thousand dollars to $25,000. Send a final letter first.
| United States | England and Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| The limit | Set by each state, from a few thousand dollars to $25,000 | Most claims up to £10,000 go to the small claims track |
| Where to start | Your state or county court’s website | Money Claim Online, on GOV.UK |
| Fees | A filing fee set by the court | A court fee that rises with the amount claimed |
| A lawyer | Often not needed, and sometimes not allowed | Not needed for most small claims |
| Getting the money | A judgment doesn’t pay itself; collecting can take more steps | Enforcement is a separate step, with its own fee |
Before you file
- Step 1
Send a final letter.
The amount, the invoice, a date to pay by, and that you’ll make a claim if it isn’t paid. Many debts are paid at this point.
- Step 2
Count your time.
Forms, the hearing, collecting afterward. A few days, spread over months.
- Step 3
Check they can pay.
A judgment against somebody with no money is a piece of paper.
When it isn’t worth it
When the debt is smaller than the days it would take you. When a client hasn’t paid has the arithmetic on where that line sits.
This is how things stand, in outline. Your state or country, the size of the debt and the client can each change the answer.
Sources: GOV.UK, Make a court claim for money. Checked 2026-10-11.