The Civil Litigation Process UK: Step-by-Step

Understanding the civil litigation process in the UK is essential whether you are pursuing a claim or defending one. This legal pathway provides a structured framework for resolving disputes through the courts when alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation or negotiation fail.

Civil litigation encompasses a wide range of cases—from breach of contract and property disputes to personal injury claims and debt recovery. Despite the variety, the procedural route remains largely consistent. However, navigating it requires a clear grasp of your rights, obligations, and deadlines at every stage.

In this blog, Axis Solicitors walks you through each phase of the civil litigation process, explaining what happens, what’s required, and how legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome.

What is Civil Litigation in the UK?

Civil litigation refers to the legal process used to resolve non-criminal disputes between individuals, businesses, or organisations. In the civil litigation process UK, one party (the claimant) brings a claim against another (the defendant) in a civil court to seek a legal remedy, often in the form of monetary compensation, injunction, or declaratory relief.

Types of Civil Disputes

The process applies across a broad spectrum of legal disputes, including but not limited to:

• Contractual disputes
• Landlord and tenant issues
• Negligence and personal injury claims
• Debt recovery
• Employment disputes (outside tribunals)
• Property and boundary disagreements
• Defamation or nuisance 

Each type of claim may follow slightly different rules or court tracks (Small Claims Track, Fast Track, Multi-Track), but they all fall under the general umbrella of civil litigation.

Key Distinction from Criminal Proceedings

Civil cases differ from criminal proceedings in both purpose and procedure:

• Purpose: Civil litigation seeks to compensate the injured party, not punish the offender.
• Standard of proof: In civil courts, the burden of proof is “on the balance of probabilities,” not “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
• Parties involved: Typically between private individuals, companies, or public bodies, rather than involving the state as prosecutor. 

Who Can Bring a Civil Claim?

Anyone who believes they have suffered a legal wrong, and can provide evidence to support that claim, can initiate civil proceedings. Equally, defendants have the right to defend themselves and present their side of the dispute through the same structured process.

Pre-Action Protocol: Preparing Before You Sue

The pre-action protocol is a mandatory step in the civil litigation process UK. It requires both parties to take reasonable steps to exchange information and attempt to resolve the dispute before formal proceedings are issued. The aim is to avoid unnecessary litigation and encourage early settlement.

What Is a Pre-Action Protocol?

A pre-action protocol is a set of guidelines published by the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). Different types of disputes (e.g., personal injury, construction, debt claims) have their own specific protocols. Where no specific protocol exists, the parties are expected to follow the Practice Direction – Pre-Action Conduct.

Key Objectives:

• Clarify the issues in dispute
• Share key documents and facts
• Assess whether litigation is necessary
• Reduce civil litigation costs
• Encourage ADR such as mediation 

Main Pre-Action Steps:

1. Letter of Claim (Claimant):
   This letter outlines the basis of the claim, key facts, and the remedy sought. It must include sufficient detail to allow the other party to understand the case against them. 
2. Letter of Response (Defendant):
   The defendant must acknowledge and respond—usually within 14 to 28 days—depending on the complexity of the claim. The response should admit, deny, or partially accept the allegations and provide supporting documents. 
3. Document Exchange:
   Both parties are expected to disclose relevant information and key documents, enabling an informed assessment of the case. 
4. Exploring Settlement or ADR:
   Parties are encouraged to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution, including negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, as a cost-effective way to settle before court involvement. 
5. Compliance Statement:
   If the matter proceeds to litigation, the court will consider whether the parties complied with the relevant pre-action protocol. Failure to comply may result in cost penalties, even if you win the case. 

Why This Stage Matters

The courts take pre-action compliance seriously. If you bypass this stage or conduct it poorly:

• Your claim may be delayed or stayed 
• You may face cost sanctions 
• The judge may view your conduct unfavourably in subsequent hearings 

Issuing a Claim: Starting Civil Proceedings

If the dispute isn’t resolved during the pre-action phase, the next formal step in the civil litigation process UK is issuing a claim in court. This is where the dispute officially enters the judicial system.

Which Court Handles Civil Claims?

Civil cases in England and Wales are typically handled by either:

• The County Court – for most civil claims, including small claims, fast track, and lower-value multi-track cases. 
• The High Court – for more complex or high-value claims (generally over £100,000 or £50,000 for personal injury). 

The court you choose will depend on:

• The value of the claim 
• The complexity of legal or factual issues 
• Whether it involves public interest or needs judicial review 

How to Issue a Claim

To begin proceedings, the claimant must:

1. Complete a Claim Form (Form N1):
   This form sets out the parties involved, the nature of the claim, and the amount sought. It can be issued on paper or through Money Claim Online (MCOL) for certain types of claims. 
2. File Particulars of Claim:
   These provide a detailed legal and factual basis of the claim. They may be submitted with the claim form or served separately within 14 days. 
3. Pay the Court Fee:
   The court fee is based on the value of the claim and must be paid to issue the claim. Fees range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand for high-value cases. 
4. Serve the Claim:
   Once issued, the court will serve the claim on the defendant (or the claimant may do so), along with a Response Pack, which includes: 
   • Acknowledgement of Service 
   • Admission form 
   • Defence form 
   • Counterclaim form 

Time Limits

There are strict limitation periods in civil litigation. For most breach of contract claims, the limit is six years from the date of the breach. Personal injury claims typically have a three-year limit.

Failing to bring a claim within the applicable time frame can bar you from ever pursuing it.

Strategic Tip

Filing weak or poorly prepared particulars of claim can backfire. Not only can the case be struck out, but you may also be liable for the other party’s legal costs. Professional legal drafting and clear articulation of the legal basis for your claim are critical.

Responding to a Claim: Defence, Admission, or Counterclaim

Once a claim is served, the defendant enters the civil litigation process UK officially and must respond within strict deadlines. The response will shape the course of the case moving forward.

Response Options for the Defendant

Upon receiving the claim form and particulars of claim, the defendant has 14 days to respond. There are three main options:

1. Acknowledge Service (Form N9):
   If the defendant needs more time to prepare a defence, they can submit this form within 14 days to extend the deadline by another 14 days—giving a total of 28 days from service to file a defence. 
2. File a Defence:
   A defence must be comprehensive, addressing each allegation made in the particulars of claim. The defendant can: 
   • Admit the entire claim 
   • Admit part of the claim 
   • Deny the claim and provide an alternative version of events 
   • Raise a legal defence (e.g. limitation expired, no duty owed, etc.) 
3. Make a Counterclaim:
   If the defendant believes the claimant owes them something in return, they can file a counterclaim within the same document. This becomes a cross-action that is usually heard within the same proceedings. 
4. Admit the Claim and Propose Payment:
   The defendant may admit liability and propose a payment plan. This often occurs in debt cases and can avoid the need for further proceedings if agreed upon. 

Consequences of Not Responding

If the defendant fails to file a defence or acknowledge service in time, the claimant may apply for a default judgment. This means the claimant automatically wins the case without needing a trial, and enforcement can begin.

Importance of Timely Legal Advice

Filing a defence without legal advice can be risky. If the defence lacks legal merit or fails to dispute key facts, the court may strike it out. Worse, the defendant could face a summary judgment (an early win for the claimant without full trial) and a costs order.

Axis Solicitors regularly advises defendants in urgent response situations, ensuring tight deadlines are met and that any counterclaims or defences are properly constructed for maximum impact.

Case Management and Allocation to Track

After both parties have submitted their statements of case (claim, defence, and any counterclaims), the court moves to the case management stage. This phase is crucial in the civil litigation process UK, as it sets the procedural roadmap for how the case will progress.

What Is Case Management?

Case management refers to the court’s role in actively controlling the progress of civil cases. The goal is to ensure fair, proportionate, and cost-effective litigation.

The court will:

• Allocate the case to a procedural “track” 
• Set deadlines for evidence disclosure and witness statements 
• List interim hearings if needed 
• Provide directions for how the case will proceed to trial 

Allocation to Track

Based on the nature, value, and complexity of the case, the court assigns it to one of three tracks:

1. Small Claims Track 
   • For disputes under £10,000 (or £1,000 for personal injury) 
   • Designed for self-represented parties 
   • Informal procedure, limited legal costs recoverable 
2. Fast Track 
   • For claims between £10,000 and £25,000 
   • Trial expected to last no more than one day 
   • Tighter court directions and a streamlined process 
3. Multi-Track 
   • For complex or high-value claims over £25,000 
   • Flexible case management tailored to the issues 
   • May involve multiple interim applications and longer trials 

The Directions Questionnaire

Both parties must complete and return a Directions Questionnaire (Form N180). This form helps the court decide:

• Which track the case should follow 
• Whether mediation is suitable 
• Estimated length of trial 
• Witnesses and expert evidence required 

Failure to submit this form on time can result in serious sanctions, including the claim being struck out or stayed.

Case Management Conference (CMC)

For multi-track cases, the court may schedule a Case Management Conference. This hearing allows the judge to:

• Clarify the issues in dispute 
• Approve or amend proposed directions 
• Schedule key milestones (disclosure, witness exchange, trial window) 

Interim Applications

At this stage, either party may make interim applications, such as:

• Requesting summary judgment 
• Seeking an injunction 
• Applying to strike out part or all of the claim or defence 
• Asking for disclosure orders 

Axis Solicitors often advises on strategy during this stage, including whether to challenge the other party’s case early or seek tactical advantages through disclosure or expert evidence.

Disclosure and Exchange of Evidence

The next phase in the civil litigation process UK is the disclosure and evidence exchange stage. This step ensures that both sides present all relevant documents and evidence before trial, so there are no surprises in court.

What Is Disclosure?

Disclosure is the formal process where each party identifies and shares documents that:

• Support their own case 
• Undermine the opposing case 
• Are otherwise relevant to the issues in dispute 

This applies regardless of whether the documents help or harm your position.

Standard Disclosure

For Fast Track and Multi-Track cases, the default form is standard disclosure, which includes:

• Documents you rely on 
• Documents that adversely affect your own case or another’s case 
• Documents that support another party’s case 

Each party must file a Disclosure Statement, confirming that they’ve carried out a reasonable search and disclosed what was found.

The documents are usually listed in a List of Documents (Form N265), and the other side can request inspection or copies.

Electronic Disclosure

With the rise of digital communication, eDisclosure (or e-disclosure) is increasingly common—especially in commercial litigation. Emails, cloud-stored documents, and digital databases are all within the scope.

Courts now expect parties to consider proportionality when dealing with large volumes of data. Unnecessary fishing expeditions are discouraged.

Privileged Documents

Certain documents, though relevant, may be withheld from disclosure on the grounds of legal professional privilege, including:

• Confidential communications between solicitor and client 
• Documents prepared in contemplation of litigation 

It’s important to review documents carefully before disclosing, as accidental disclosure of privileged materials can have serious legal consequences.

Exchange of Witness Statements

Following disclosure, the court will set a deadline for witness statements to be exchanged. These are written accounts of what witnesses saw, did, or experienced, and they:

• Must be in the witness’s own words 
• Signed with a statement of truth 
• Stand as the evidence-in-chief at trial 

Expert Evidence

In some cases, the court may allow expert evidence (e.g., in cases involving construction defects, medical negligence, or financial disputes). The court typically restricts each party to one expert per field, and the expert owes a duty to the court—not to the party paying them.

A Single Joint Expert (SJE) may be appointed if the matter is not overly contentious or to save on costs.

Legal Note:
Failing to comply with disclosure obligations can result in:

• Evidence being excluded 
• The case being struck out 
• Adverse costs orders 
• Potential findings of misconduct 

Axis Solicitors works closely with clients during this phase to ensure full compliance, protect privileged material, and prepare persuasive witness and expert reports.

Settlement Discussions and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Although litigation is underway, courts actively encourage parties to settle their disputes outside of trial. At this stage in the civil litigation process UK, the focus often shifts to negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to avoid the costs and risks of a final hearing.

The Court’s View on ADR

The Civil Procedure Rules make it clear: parties must consider ADR seriously at all stages. Courts can penalise parties for unreasonably refusing to engage in ADR—even if they win at trial.

ADR is not just a suggestion; it is a procedural expectation.

Types of ADR in Civil Litigation

Several forms of ADR are available, depending on the nature of the dispute and the willingness of parties to cooperate:

1. Negotiation 
   • Informal discussions directly between solicitors or parties 
   • Often results in a without prejudice settlement offer 
   • Flexible and cost-effective 
2. Mediation 
   • A neutral third party facilitates discussion but doesn’t impose a decision 
   • Can occur in a single day 
   • Often leads to creative, commercial solutions 
   • Parties remain in control of the outcome 
3. Arbitration 
   • A private tribunal where an arbitrator makes a binding decision 
   • Common in construction, commercial, and international disputes 
   • Generally faster and more confidential than court 
4. Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) 
   • An independent expert (often a retired judge or QC) gives an early opinion on the merits 
   • Can break deadlocks in complex legal matters 

Settlement Offers: Part 36

The Civil Procedure Rules allow for formal offers using Part 36, a special type of offer with costs consequences:

• If a Part 36 offer is rejected and the party who made it does better at trial, the other party may face severe costs penalties. 
• These offers put pressure on both sides to assess their risks and settle strategically. 

Tactical Tip:
Making a well-timed and well-calculated Part 36 offer can shift litigation in your favour, especially when paired with strong disclosure and witness evidence.

Settlement Agreements

If a dispute is resolved via ADR or negotiation, a settlement agreement should be drafted and signed, confirming:

• Terms of the agreement 
• Whether any payments are to be made 
• Whether the case will be discontinued or stayed 
• Any confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses 

Once signed, it is binding and enforceable like a court order.

Axis Solicitors often guides clients through successful ADR processes—whether through direct negotiation, instructing experienced mediators, or drafting bulletproof settlement agreements.

Trial Preparation and Final Hearing

If settlement efforts fail, the dispute proceeds to trial. This is the culmination of the civil litigation process UK, where each side presents their case before a judge who will make a legally binding decision. Trial preparation is critical—success often hinges on groundwork done long before the hearing itself.

Pre-Trial Checklist

Several tasks must be completed before trial, in accordance with the court’s directions order:

1. Trial Bundles 
   • A master file of all key documents: statements of case, disclosed documents, witness statements, expert reports, and relevant correspondence 
   • Must be agreed between the parties and indexed properly 
   • Submitted in physical and/or digital format to the court and judge in advance 
2. Skeleton Arguments 
   • A written summary of each party’s legal arguments, submitted in advance 
   • Concise, persuasive, and heavily referenced to the bundle 
   • Required in Fast and Multi-Track trials 
3. Final Witness List 
   • Confirms who will attend court and give live evidence 
   • The judge expects clarity on who’s speaking to which facts 
4. Hearing Timetable 
   • The court may request or approve a trial timetable, especially in multi-day hearings 
   • Helps manage time between openings, evidence, cross-examination, and closing statements 
5. Pre-Trial Review (PTR) 
   • In more complex or lengthy trials, a Pre-Trial Review may be scheduled to confirm all directions have been complied with and that both parties are ready 

What Happens at Trial?

Civil trials in the UK are conducted by a judge only—no jury, except in rare defamation or false imprisonment cases.

The typical trial format:

• Opening Submissions: Legal representatives outline the case 
• Witness Evidence: Witnesses are examined and cross-examined 
• Expert Evidence: Experts may give live testimony if allowed 
• Closing Submissions: A final argument summarising evidence and applying the law 

The judge may deliver:

• An immediate oral judgment, or 
• A reserved judgment (usually written, delivered at a later date) 

Costs and Orders

After judgment, the court deals with:

• Costs orders – the losing party often pays a significant portion of the winner’s legal fees 
• Interest on damages 
• Enforcement options, if necessary 

Courtroom Conduct

• Formal attire and respectful tone are essential 
• Interruptions are not tolerated 
• All evidence must already be in the trial bundle—last-minute surprises are rarely allowed 

Post-Trial: Judgment, Costs and Enforcement

Once the trial concludes, the judge delivers a final judgment. This ruling determines the outcome of the claim and usually addresses:

• Liability (who is at fault or in breach) 
• Remedy (e.g., damages, injunction) 
• Legal costs (who pays what) 

Costs Orders

In the civil litigation process UK, the loser usually pays the winner’s legal costs, but the court has discretion. Costs are often assessed on:

• Standard basis – costs must be reasonable and proportionate 
• Indemnity basis – a higher threshold, often applied where one party has behaved unreasonably 

The parties may have a detailed costs assessment or agree on a figure informally.

Enforcement Options

If the losing party does not comply with the judgment voluntarily, the winning party can enforce it. Options include:

• Warrant of Control (county court bailiffs) 
• High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) 
• Charging Orders (against property) 
• Attachment of Earnings Orders 
• Third-Party Debt Orders (freezing money held by banks) 

Axis Solicitors assists clients in both defending enforcement proceedings and recovering unpaid judgments—a critical final step in the civil litigation process UK.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the civil litigation process UK in simple terms?

The civil litigation process UK is the structured legal process through which individuals or businesses resolve non-criminal disputes in court. It includes stages such as pre-action protocol, issuing a claim, responding to the claim, disclosure of evidence, trial preparation, and judgment enforcement.

How long does the civil litigation process UK take?

The duration of the civil litigation process UK depends on the complexity of the case and the track it is allocated to. A Small Claims case might be resolved within 6–9 months, while Multi-Track cases can take 12–24 months or longer, especially if expert evidence or multiple hearings are required.

What are the main stages of the civil litigation process UK?

Key stages include:

1. Pre-action protocol 
2. Issuing the claim 
3. Defence and counterclaims 
4. Case management and allocation 
5. Disclosure and witness exchange 
6. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) 
7. Trial 
8. Judgment and enforcement 

Can I represent myself in the civil litigation process UK?

Yes, you can represent yourself (as a litigant in person) in the civil litigation process UK, especially in Small Claims Track cases. However, legal rules, forms, and court deadlines can be complex. Having a solicitor increases your chances of a successful outcome, especially for higher-value or Multi-Track claims.

What happens if the other party ignores a civil claim in the UK?

If the defendant fails to respond to a claim in time, the claimant can request a default judgment. This allows the claimant to win the case automatically. The civil litigation process UK is strict about deadlines—ignoring them can result in losing without trial.

Do I have to go to court in the civil litigation process UK?

Not always. Many disputes are resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) like mediation or negotiation before reaching court. However, if no agreement is reached, the matter proceeds to a trial. Courts also encourage settlement even after proceedings have begun.

How much does the civil litigation process UK cost?

Costs vary widely based on case complexity, value, legal fees, and court fees. Small Claims are designed to be affordable with minimal costs recovery. For Fast Track and Multi-Track cases, legal costs can run into the thousands or more—but these may be recovered if you win.

What if I lose my case in the civil litigation process UK?

If you lose, you may have to:

• Pay damages or comply with court orders 
• Pay the other side’s legal costs 
• Comply with enforcement measures if you delay payment 

It’s possible to appeal, but only if there was a legal or procedural error—not simply because you disagree with the outcome.

Is ADR mandatory in the civil litigation process UK?

ADR is not legally mandatory, but courts strongly encourage it. Refusing ADR without a valid reason can result in cost penalties, even if you win. The civil litigation process UK treats ADR as a core part of efficient dispute resolution.

What is the success rate for civil litigation in the UK?

There’s no fixed percentage, as outcomes depend on evidence, preparation, and strategy. Many cases in the civil litigation process UK never reach trial—over 70% settle during the pre-action or disclosure stage. With strong legal representation, your chances of success and favourable settlement increase significantly.

Need Help Navigating the Civil Litigation Process UK?

Whether you’re bringing a claim or defending one, success in the civil litigation process UK depends on timing, precision, and strategic legal support. At Axis Solicitors, we guide clients through every step—ensuring full compliance with procedure, strong evidence preparation, and the best chance of achieving your desired outcome.

From early-stage negotiation to courtroom representation, our litigation team is ready to act.

Contact Axis Solicitors today