How to prepare for a UK court hearing: a litigant's practical guide

Your court hearing is set. You're representing yourself. The idea of standing up in front of a judge while people watch can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through what to do from now until after the hearing ends. Each step is concrete and practical. You do not need a law degree to be organised and ready.

Preparation is your advantage. A well-ordered bundle, a clear opening statement, and calm delivery matter more than legal knowledge. This guide covers the work you do alone, the work you do with witnesses, the logistics of the courtroom itself, and how to behave when you get there.

The short version

Read all documents that have been filed. Sort them into chronological order by date and print them in a single bundle with numbered pages. Write a short opening statement (no longer than a page) that tells the judge what you are asking for and why. Prepare any witnesses, brief them on what to expect, and have their statements in writing. Visit the court building beforehand if possible. Wear smart neutral clothing. Arrive 30 minutes early. Sit where the court usher directs you. Address the judge as "Your Honour". Listen carefully, take notes, and stay calm.

At a glance

Weeks before: read all documents

Start by getting all documents in one place. This includes:

• All statements of case (claim form, defence, counterclaim, any amended versions)
• All witness statements filed by you and by the other side
• All documents on which the case turns (contracts, emails, letters, photographs, invoices, correspondence)
• Any orders made by the court so far
• Any skeleton arguments or written submissions the other side has filed
• The court's listing questionnaire or pre-trial checklist

Print or obtain everything. Read each document once to get the story straight. Then read them again, this time making notes:

• What is claimed?
• What is admitted or denied?
• What documents support each side?
• What are the key dates?
• Where do the parties disagree?
• What does your opponent say about you?

Keep a separate sheet with key facts and dates in order. This becomes your memory aid if you freeze in the courtroom.

Weeks before: prepare your bundle

The bundle is the single most important thing you will bring to court. A well-organised bundle tells the judge you are serious and organised. A messy one suggests you are unprepared.

The bundle should contain:

• All documents in strict chronological order (by date the document was created or received)
• Each page numbered at the bottom
• A contents page at the front listing each document and the page numbers it occupies
• An index at the back (optional but helpful)

How to build it:

1. Print all documents.
2. Sort them by date (earliest first).
3. Number every page at the bottom right: 1, 2, 3, and so on, all the way through.
4. Create a contents page. List each document by title (e.g. "Claim form dated 15 March 2025") and page numbers.
5. Put contents at the very front.
6. Bind the bundle (staples or a folder, but do not use a ring binder; courts dislike them).

If there are many documents, you may want multiple copies: one for you, one for the other side, one for the judge. Bring them all to court. The court staff will tell you if more are needed.

Do not annotate heavily. Do not highlight. The judge will make their own notes.

Weeks before: prepare your opening statement

The opening statement is a short written summary of what you are asking the court to do and why. It should be no longer than one page. It is not an essay. It is an outline.

Write it like this:

1. State who you are (claimant or defendant).
2. Say in one sentence what you want the court to decide (e.g. "I ask the court to award me £5,000 for the cost of repairing my garage").
3. List the key facts in chronological order (3 to 5 sentences each). Stick to what is relevant.
4. Explain why those facts matter (how do they support what you are asking for?).
5. End with a clear request (e.g. "I therefore ask the court to find that the defendant breached the contract and award me damages of £5,000").

Your opening statement will be read aloud at the start of the hearing. It should take about two or three minutes to read. Read it aloud to yourself several times before the day. If it takes longer than three minutes, cut it down.

Example structure:

I am the claimant in this case. I ask the court to order the defendant to pay me £5,000 for the cost of repairing my garage, which the defendant damaged on 10 June 2025.

On 10 June, the defendant drove into my garage whilst reversing. At the time, the defendant was using my driveway without permission. Three independent repair quotes confirm the damage cost £5,000. The defendant has offered to pay only £2,000. I have paid the full amount and ask the court to order the defendant to repay me.

That is all. Do not argue the law. Do not attack the other side. Stick to the facts and what you want.

Weeks before: prepare witness statements

If you have witnesses (people who saw what happened, or experts), you need written statements from them. The court prefers written evidence to spoken evidence, because it is clearer and more reliable.

A witness statement should:

• Be signed and dated by the witness
• Say what the witness saw, heard, or did (not what they were told)
• Use "I" language (e.g. "I was present when...")
• Stay factual (no opinions, unless the witness is an expert)
• Reference the documents in the bundle (e.g. "as shown in bundle page 12")

If a witness cannot attend court, their written statement is often enough. If they do attend, they will be asked to stand up and swear to tell the truth. Then they may be asked questions by the other side. So brief them: be clear, be honest, listen carefully to questions, and do not volunteer extra information.

Meet your witnesses before the hearing if you can. Walk them through what they will be asked. Show them their statement. Remind them to bring any documents they need to refer to.

Days before: revise the law and key cases

If your case involves a law or a case that the court might rely on, read it. You do not need to memorise it, but you should know the main points.

Where to find relevant law:

• The government website (www.gov.uk) for acts of parliament
• BAILII (bailii.org) for case law
• Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) for summaries of how the law works in practice

Your opponent may have cited cases or laws in their statement of case or skeleton argument. Read those. Know the main facts and outcome. If you disagree with how they interpret the law, prepare a short note explaining your view.

You do not need to become a legal expert. The judge knows the law. But if you show you have read the key cases and understand the legal issue, you will be taken more seriously.

Days before: visit the court or check the layout online

Courts can feel imposing if you have never been inside one. A visit beforehand helps you feel calmer on the day.

If you can visit:

• Go to the court building
• Find the courtroom where your case will be heard
• Look at where the judge sits, where witnesses stand, where you will sit
• Note the layout and the entrances
• Ask the court staff where you should sit

If you cannot visit in person:

• Go to the court's website and look for a courtroom plan
• Search YouTube for "UK courtroom layout" to see videos
• Read a description of the courtroom type (magistrates', county, Crown)
• This will give you a mental picture

Familiarity reduces anxiety. You will feel less nervous if the space is not a surprise.

Day before: pack your bag

The day before the hearing, prepare everything you will need. Pack a bag with:

• Your bundle (the original and any spare copies)
• A note with your key facts and dates (for reference if you freeze)
• Your opening statement (printed)
• A notebook and pen (for taking notes)
• Copies of any last-minute documents your opponent filed
• Your ID (to show the court)
• Water and a light snack (you may be waiting a while)
• Phone (but turn it off in court; do not have it visible)
• Any prescription medicines you need

Check how you will get to court. How long does the journey take? Plan to arrive 30 minutes early, so leave home 45 minutes before the hearing time (add 15 minutes for parking or walking from the station).

What to wear

Wear smart, neutral clothing. This is not a fashion show. The point is to show respect for the court and to look like someone the judge should listen to.

Guidelines:

• Trousers or a knee-length skirt
• A long-sleeved shirt or blouse (button-up or jumper)
• Closed shoes (no trainers, flip-flops, or sandals)
• A jacket if you own one (optional but good)
• Neutral colours (navy, grey, black, white, cream, pale blue)
• No logos or slogans
• No excessive jewellery
• No T-shirts or vests
• No ripped or stained clothing
• Grooming that is neat and clean

You are not required to wear a wig or gown. That is only for barristers and solicitors. You are a lay person, so dress like a lay person, but dress smartly.

Day of: arrive 30 minutes early, find the right courtroom

Leave home in time to arrive at least 30 minutes before the hearing. Allow extra time for:

• Finding a parking space (or walking from the station)
• Finding the right building and courtroom
• Going through security (courts now have metal detectors)
• Using the toilet

When you arrive:

• Find the court usher (a court staff member in the courtroom or nearby)
• Tell them you are a party to the case (do not assume they know who you are)
• Ask where to sit
• Follow their directions

Many courts have a waiting area for cases. You may wait there until the judge is ready. Do not leave the building. Do not go far away.

When the usher calls your case, stand up, collect your bundle, and go into the courtroom.

In the courtroom: where to sit, how to address the judge

When you enter the courtroom:

• The judge will be at the front, sitting higher than everyone else
• There will be a witness stand or box to one side
• There will be two main tables: one for the claimant (the person who started the case), one for the defendant
• Sit at the table for your side
• If you are unsure, ask the usher

When you speak to the judge:

• Stand up (unless the judge tells you to sit)
• Address the judge as "Your Honour"
• Speak clearly and slowly
• Do not raise your voice
• Do not interrupt
• Do not be rude to the other side or the judge

If the judge asks you a question:

• Listen carefully
• Take a moment to think if you need to
• Answer the question asked (do not go off on a tangent)
• If you do not understand the question, say so ("I'm sorry, Your Honour, could you repeat that?")

During the hearing: stay calm, listen, take notes

The hearing will follow this rough order:

1. The judge may give directions on procedure
2. You (or your opponent, depending on who is suing) will give your opening statement
3. Your opponent will ask questions (cross-examination)
4. Your opponent will give their opening statement
5. You will ask questions of your opponent
6. Any witnesses will give evidence and be cross-examined
7. You will summarise your case
8. Your opponent will summarise theirs
9. The judge will give judgment (or reserve judgment, meaning they will decide later and send you a written decision)

During the hearing:

• Take notes on what is said (especially anything that surprises you)
• Listen more than you speak
• Do not interrupt
• Do not become emotional or angry
• If you need a moment, ask the judge ("Your Honour, may I have a moment to consider?")
• Stick to the facts and documents in the bundle

If the judge asks you to stand and testify, you will swear or affirm to tell the truth. Then answer questions carefully. Listen to what is being asked. Do not guess. If you do not know, say "I don't know" or "I cannot remember". That is honest and is better than making something up.

After the hearing: collect documents, get judgment, plan next steps

When the hearing ends:

• Collect all your documents and bundle
• Thank the judge (not required but polite)
• Leave the courtroom

The judgment may be given straight away (if it is a simple case) or reserved (if the judge needs time to think). If reserved, ask the court staff when you will receive a written judgment. You will also receive a copy by post.

Once you have the judgment:

• Read it carefully
• Note whether you won, lost, or partly won
• Note whether you must pay the other side's costs
• Consider whether to appeal (you have a time limit, usually 21 days)
• Take advice if you are unsure

If you won, the judgment will say what the other side must do (usually pay you money). If they do not pay, you can take further steps to enforce the judgment. If you lost, consider whether to appeal or accept the outcome.

Day to day: a typical day from start to finish

Here is what a typical court day looks like:

7:30 am: Wake up. Eat a sensible breakfast (no alcohol, avoid too much caffeine which can make you jittery).

8:00 am: Check that your bundle is in your bag. Check the weather. Check your route to court.

8:30 am: Leave home, allowing 45 minutes travel time.

9:15 am: Arrive at court (assuming a 10:00 am hearing). Go through security. Find the right courtroom. Sit in the waiting area.

9:45 am: The usher comes out and calls your case. Go into the courtroom. Sit at your table. Say good morning to the judge (optional).

9:50 am: The judge explains the hearing will proceed. You give your opening statement (2 to 3 minutes).

10:00 am: Your opponent asks you questions (cross-examination). This may last 10 minutes or an hour, depending on the case. Answer clearly and calmly.

10:30 am: Your opponent gives their opening statement.

10:40 am: You ask your opponent questions.

11:00 am: Any witnesses are called. They swear to tell the truth and answer questions.

11:45 am: The judge gives a break (15 minutes). Use the toilet, drink water.

12:00 pm: You summarise your case (5 to 10 minutes). Explain why the judge should find in your favour.

12:10 pm: Your opponent summarises theirs.

12:20 pm: The judge gives judgment or says they will reserve judgment.

12:30 pm: The hearing ends. Collect your things and go home.

This is a simple, short case. Your case may be longer. But the structure is usually the same.

Common mistakes litigants in person make

Avoid these:

• Not reading the other side's statement of case. You cannot respond to what you do not understand. Read it, even if it upsets you.

• Disorganised or unmarked documents. If the judge cannot find a document easily, they lose patience with you.

• Rambling opening statements. Say what you want. Say why. Stop.

• Trying to remember everything in your head. Bring notes. The judge expects litigants in person to refer to papers.

• Getting angry or emotional in court. It makes you look unreliable. The judge cares about facts, not feelings.

• Interrupting the other side or the judge. It is disrespectful and will count against you.

• Bringing hearsay evidence. If you did not see or hear it yourself, do not say it. Use a witness statement instead.

• Wearing casual or provocative clothing. Dress smartly. Do not distract the judge.

• Not listening to the judge's questions. Listen carefully. Answer what is asked, not what you wish was asked.

• Arguing the law without sources. If you cite a case, bring it with you. If you cite a statute, have a copy.

Common misconceptions

"The judge will automatically favour the other side because they have a solicitor and I don't." False. The judge is trained to help litigants in person. They will give you a fair hearing.

"I need to memorise everything." False. Bring your notes. The judge will not think less of you for reading from a prepared statement.

"If I lose, I can appeal and the next judge will agree with me." Mostly false. Appeals are hard to win. They must be on a point of law, not just because you disagree. Only appeal if you have a solid legal reason.

"I should argue that my case is morally right." Not helpful. The judge is bound by law, not morality. Stick to legal facts.

"The other side will be rude and I should be rude back." No. Stay professional. The judge will notice and respect you for it.

"If I look confident, the judge will believe me." Confidence helps, but honesty matters more. If you do not know something, say so.

Related concepts

• How to write a statement of case
• Understanding court orders
• How to prepare a witness statement
• What happens after judgment
• Enforcing a court judgment in the UK
• Appeals and how they work
• Legal costs in UK courts
• Small claims, fast track, and multi-track explained

Sources

• gov.uk: Civil procedure and court guidance (https://www.gov.uk)
• The Judiciary of England and Wales (https://www.judiciary.uk)
• Citizens Advice: Representing yourself in court (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk)

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about UK court hearings. It is not legal advice. The rules of civil procedure change and vary by court type. Before your hearing, check the court's website for specific guidance. If you are unsure about anything, consult a solicitor, barrister, or free legal advice service.

Written by Peter Kolomiets, founder of CaseCalm. UK content reviewed 2026-05-28.