Small claims without a lawyer: what you can take to court

Pick the country of the court and your situation. A free check shows whether your case fits, which court and what amount. The document packet is prepared in the court's language.

Israel

Small Claims Court · Claim limit: ₪39,900

You file yourself, without a lawyer — online via Net HaMishpat or at the court office. Fee: 1% of the claim, minimum ₪50.

  • Rental deposit not returned Available
    The landlord kept the deposit or made unjustified deductions.
    Check for free (in Russian)
  • Other rental contract breaches Coming soon
    Repairs not done, overpayment, early termination.
  • Goods not delivered or defective Coming soon
    The shop refuses a refund, replacement or repair.
  • Cancelled purchase, no refund Coming soon
    You cancelled a purchase or service and were not refunded.
  • Poor service, renovation, contractor Coming soon
    The work wasn't done, was done badly, or you were overcharged.
  • Unpaid personal loan Coming soon
    You lent money and it hasn't been paid back.
  • Property damage, incl. car accidents Coming soon
    Someone damaged your car or belongings, even unintentionally.
  • Insurer refused to pay Coming soon
    Refusal or underpayment of a claim.
  • Spam ads by SMS or email Coming soon
    Ads sent to you without consent.
  • Flight cancelled or delayed Coming soon
    The airline didn't pay compensation.

Not here: employment disputes (Labour Court), family matters, eviction, amounts above the limit. Source: Kol Zchut

Portugal

Justice of the Peace court (Julgado de Paz) · Claim limit: €15,000

Any person or company can file. Mediation first; about 2.5 months on average. A lawyer isn't required. Fee: €70, paid by the losing party.

  • Rental deposit (caução) not returned Available
    The landlord kept the deposit after you moved out.
    Check for free (in Russian)
  • Other lease disputes (not eviction) Coming soon
    Repairs, overpayment, contract terms.
  • Breach of contract or service Coming soon
    Work not done, goods not delivered, money not returned.
  • Damages, incl. traffic accidents Coming soon
    Property damaged through someone else's fault.
  • Condominium disputes Coming soon
    Fees, common areas, assembly decisions.
  • Neighbour disputes Coming soon
    Windows and balconies, access for works, water run-off.
  • Compensation for minor offences Coming soon
    Insult, defamation, simple theft — only if no criminal complaint was filed.

Not here: eviction (despejo), family and inheritance, employment, debts under standard-form contracts (internet, TV, mobile, water, power, gym). Source: gov.pt

England & Wales

County Court — small claims track · Claim limit: £10,000

File yourself, online or by post. If defended, free phone mediation. Legal fees are usually not recoverable.

  • Money owed: debt or unpaid invoice Available
    A fixed amount plus 8% interest and the court fee.
    Check for free
  • Unpaid freelance work Available
    A client hasn't paid for work you delivered.
    Check for free
  • Rental deposit not returned Available
    Claim the deposit amount as a money claim.
    Check for free
  • Faulty goods: seller won't refund Available
    Claim back the price you paid.
    Check for free
  • Poor work: builders, garages, services Coming soon
    Often needs an expert's view — a dedicated flow is coming.
  • Vehicle or property damage Coming soon
    Repair costs backed by an invoice.
  • Flight compensation Coming soon
    Court is the last step — claim from the airline first.

Not here: personal injury over £1,000, housing disrepair over £1,000, defendants outside England & Wales (not online), criminal matters. Source: GOV.UK

This list is being reviewed by local lawyers. ClaimPath is not a law firm and does not represent you in court.