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 AvailableCheck for free (in Russian)The landlord kept the deposit or made unjustified deductions.
- Other rental contract breaches Coming soonRepairs not done, overpayment, early termination.
- Goods not delivered or defective Coming soonThe shop refuses a refund, replacement or repair.
- Cancelled purchase, no refund Coming soonYou cancelled a purchase or service and were not refunded.
- Poor service, renovation, contractor Coming soonThe work wasn't done, was done badly, or you were overcharged.
- Unpaid personal loan Coming soonYou lent money and it hasn't been paid back.
- Property damage, incl. car accidents Coming soonSomeone damaged your car or belongings, even unintentionally.
- Insurer refused to pay Coming soonRefusal or underpayment of a claim.
- Spam ads by SMS or email Coming soonAds sent to you without consent.
- Flight cancelled or delayed Coming soonThe 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 AvailableCheck for free (in Russian)The landlord kept the deposit after you moved out.
- Other lease disputes (not eviction) Coming soonRepairs, overpayment, contract terms.
- Breach of contract or service Coming soonWork not done, goods not delivered, money not returned.
- Damages, incl. traffic accidents Coming soonProperty damaged through someone else's fault.
- Condominium disputes Coming soonFees, common areas, assembly decisions.
- Neighbour disputes Coming soonWindows and balconies, access for works, water run-off.
- Compensation for minor offences Coming soonInsult, 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 AvailableCheck for freeA fixed amount plus 8% interest and the court fee.
- Unpaid freelance work AvailableCheck for freeA client hasn't paid for work you delivered.
- Rental deposit not returned AvailableCheck for freeClaim the deposit amount as a money claim.
- Faulty goods: seller won't refund AvailableCheck for freeClaim back the price you paid.
- Poor work: builders, garages, services Coming soonOften needs an expert's view — a dedicated flow is coming.
- Vehicle or property damage Coming soonRepair costs backed by an invoice.
- Flight compensation Coming soonCourt 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.