Settling a Claim
Many cases are settled without a Court hearing. This avoids unnecessary costs. It is always better to try and reach an agreement with someone who owes you money or to whom you owe money rather than have a decision imposed on you by the Court.
If you can settle the case between you - and the majority of cases do settle in this way - you can both write in to the Court setting out what has been agreed as to amount and time for payment. There is a fee payable of £35. The Court will usually approve that arrangement and issue an Order in the agreed terms so that if they are not complied with they can be enforced by the Court.
Some Courts now try to help you settle cases without a Court hearing using ADR or "Alternative Dispute Resolution". This involves a "round table" meeting where both parties are encouraged and assisted to reach their own settlement agreement by a Court appointed Mediator. Check with your local County Court to see whether this alternative is available to you.
Chris Yemm of FJG is a CEDR approved mediator with considerable experience of the mediation process. Contact him at cyemm@fjg.co.uk for further information.