Case management: which court?

by Practical Law Dispute Resolution

A practice note providing guidance on choosing the correct court in which to start civil proceedings. This practice note explains why the initial choice of court is important and outlines the rules for deciding between the High Court and the County Court. It details the relevant financial thresholds for claims and other factors, such as complexity, that influence this decision. The practice note provides an overview of where to issue different claims within the County Court, addressing the Civil National Business Centre (CNBC) and various online procedures. It then examines the structure of the High Court, explaining the choice between its divisions, the framework of the Business and Property Courts (B&PCs), and the considerations for issuing in London versus a district registry. The note guides users through the specialist courts and lists within the King's Bench and Chancery Divisions, covers the appeals process, and concludes by exploring the potential consequences of starting proceedings in the wrong court.