County Courts in England and Wales

Short answer: County courts deal with civil disputes, such as debt claims, housing and possession cases, and many personal injury and consumer matters. They are not criminal courts. Choose your court below for its address, and check your letter for the building, time and hearing type.

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About county courts

County courts deal with everyday civil disputes. Unlike criminal courts, they do not decide whether someone has committed a crime. Instead, they settle disagreements between people, businesses and other organisations. If you owe money, are owed money, are being asked to leave a rented home or are making a claim for an injury, your case may be heard in a county court.

What county courts hear

Typical cases include:

Debt and money claims, including consumer disputes and unpaid invoices.
Housing cases, such as possession claims by landlords or lenders, and disrepair claims.
Personal injury claims, after an accident or illness caused by someone else.
Contract and consumer disputes, for example about goods or services.
Small claims, which are lower-value disputes dealt with in a simpler, less formal way.
Family matters in some buildings, where the Family Court sits alongside the county court.

County courts at a glance


Cases	Civil disputes, such as debts, housing and injury claims
Who decides	A district or circuit judge, with no jury
Formality	Often less formal than criminal courts
Representation	Many people represent themselves
Costs	Court fees can apply, and help with fees may be available

Who decides

Most county court cases are decided by a district judge or a circuit judge, not by a jury. Hearings are usually less formal than a criminal trial, and many are short. Complex claims go to the High Court, which has its own directory.

Types of hearing

Hearing	What it is
Case management	The judge decides how the case should proceed
Application	One side asks for a specific order
Possession hearing	The court decides whether property can be recovered
Small claims hearing	A short, informal hearing for lower-value disputes
Trial	The evidence is heard and a decision is made

Our court list decoder helps with the jargon on a hearing list.

Hearing lists

Civil hearings appear on the Civil Daily Cause List, published on the official service. Family hearings use the Family Daily Cause List. We link to the official service from each court page, and we do not republish civil or family lists, because they can contain personal details.

Preparing for the day

Read your court letter for the building, time and hearing type.
Bring all papers and evidence you were asked to bring, with copies if you can.
Arrive early and go through security. See security checks at court.
Find your room with our guide to finding your courtroom.
Tell the court if you need support or adjustments.

Settling before a hearing

Civil courts expect people to try to settle disputes where they can. Talking to the other side, using mediation or accepting a fair offer can save time, money and stress. If you do reach an agreement, tell the court straight away so that the hearing can be cancelled. Advice charities can help you decide what is reasonable.

If you cannot find your case

Civil hearings may not be published in the same way as criminal ones. Read why isn’t my case listed? and then ask the court or your solicitor.

Finding the right court

Use the venues above, or the court finder. Many county court buildings also house other courts, so check the details on your letter. Browse by region to see what is near you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a county court and a Crown Court?

A county court deals with civil disputes between people or organisations, usually about money, property or rights. The Crown Court deals with serious criminal cases.

Do I need a solicitor in a county court?

Not necessarily. Many people represent themselves in county court cases, especially smaller claims. Advice is still wise, and some charities offer free help.

Can I watch a county court hearing?

Many civil hearings are open to the public, but some are held in private. Ask the court beforehand, and check your paperwork.

Where do I find the hearing list?

Civil lists are published on the official HMCTS service. Open the court's page and use the link to the official list.

How to find your courtroom on the day – Not sure which courtroom your hearing is in? Learn how to find it before you travel and on the day, how to read court lists and who to ask.
Security checks at court: what to bring and what to leave at home – What happens at the security entrance of a UK court, what you can bring, what to leave at home and how early to arrive so you are not caught out.
Watching a court hearing: the public gallery guide – Yes, you can usually watch a court hearing in England and Wales. Learn how to find a case, what the rules are and what you cannot do in the public gallery.
Why isn't my case listed? – Cannot find your hearing on a court list? Here are the most common reasons a case is missing in England and Wales, and what to do next.
Civil Daily Cause List explained – What a civil daily cause list is, what the terms mean, which hearings appear in county courts and the High Court and how to find yours.
Family Daily Cause List explained – What the family daily cause list shows, why family hearings are usually private, who may attend and where to find help if you are going to a family court.

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