The only exception to this is if the court thinks that you caused wasted costs, for example, by making a wholly unreasonable claim or not attending the hearing. You fill in a summons form, giving brief details of your claim, and take or send it to your local county court. This is paid by your opponent if you win your case. The court will 'serve' the summons on the defendant and tell you what to do next. Forms are available from the court office together with an information booklet.
Some bookshops sell advice packs which include the forms.
You can get advice, leaflets explaining the court procedure and help filling in the forms from a citizens advice bureau or consumer advice centre. Some of these can also provide free legal advice, and possibly someone to go to court with you. Click here to return to the legal homepage.