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When a civil claim is defended, the court allocates it to a track. The track determines how the case is managed, how much procedure applies, and how costs are dealt with. Allocation depends mainly on the value of the claim and its complexity. Understanding which track a claim is likely to fall into helps set expectations about cost, formality, and effort.

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The small claims track

The small claims track is designed for lower-value, simpler disputes. It is the most informal route, with streamlined procedure and hearings that are less formal than a full trial. A key feature is that the costs a losing party has to pay are limited, which keeps the financial risk of bringing or defending a small claim relatively contained. This track is where many litigants in person handle their disputes.

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The fast track

The fast track handles claims of higher value or greater complexity than the small claims track, but which are still relatively contained. Cases here follow a stricter timetable, usually with a trial expected to last no more than a day, and more formal procedure than the small claims track. Costs rules are more involved.

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The intermediate track

The intermediate track sits between the fast and multi tracks and is intended for claims of moderate value and complexity that need more management than the fast track allows but do not require the full multi-track approach. It uses a structured, banded costs regime.

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The multi-track

The multi-track is for the most valuable or complex claims. Cases here are actively managed by the court, often with detailed directions, and procedure is at its most demanding. The costs at stake are typically the highest.

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Why the track matters

The track affects almost everything about how a case proceeds: the timetable, the amount of procedure, the formality of the hearing, and, importantly, how much you might have to pay the other side if you lose. Because the small claims track limits recoverable costs, the risk profile of a small claim is very different from that of a multi-track case. Knowing your likely track helps you weigh up the effort and risk involved.
Portia is a document-organisation tool for people handling civil disputes in England and Wales. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Learn what Portia does.