What happens when your application is approved

When your application is approved by the small claims registrar and the fee is paid, they will send your claim to the respondent by registered post. This is known as service. You will be notified by the small claims registrar when your claim is sent. For your claim to be successfully served, the respondent will have to sign for it.

Once the respondent has signed for your claim, they have fifteen calendar days to respond. If your claim is returned to the court office unsigned, the small claims registrar will contact you to discuss other options.

Your application is successfully served on the respondent

When the respondent has received your claim, there are four potential routes it can take:

  • The respondent accepts liability.
  • The respondent disputes the claim.
  • The respondent disputes and counterclaims.
  • There is no response to your claim.

Please see below for more information.

What happens when the respondent accepts liability 

Details about what happens when the respondent accepts liability for your claim.

More information on this step >

What happens when your claim is disputed

Details on what happens if the respondent disputes your claim.

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What happens when there is a counterclaim

Details on what happens if the respondent decides to counterclaim.

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What happens when there is no response to your claim

Details on what happens if your claim does not get a response.

More information on this step >