Small claims court · Reading

Small claims court in Reading

The County Court hearing centre that deals with money claims in Reading — where it is, and your nearest alternative.

1
Local court
14 mi
Nearest alternative
8
Courts within 25 mi
Yes
Start online

What this page tells you

If you're making or defending a money claim in Reading, your case is handled through the County Court. Reading's hearing centre for money claims is Reading County Court and Family Court.

Most money claims start online through Money Claim Online and are only sent to a hearing centre if the claim is defended and a hearing is needed. If you do need to attend, your nearest alternative court outside Reading is Basingstoke County Court and Family Court, about 14 miles away.

Your court in Reading

Reading County Court and Family Court
RG1 1HE · Reading
Family CourtCounty Court
Opening times & contact on GOV.UK →
Start online

Most money claims under £100,000 can be started online through Money Claim Online, without going to the court building in person. Read the small claims court guide.

Nearest alternative court

Basingstoke County Court and Family Court14 miles from Reading

Always check the court named on your claim form or letter — it may not be the closest building to you.

Small claims court in Reading — your questions

Which court handles small claims in Reading?

Money claims (the "small claims track" for lower-value disputes) in Reading are dealt with by the County Court at Reading County Court and Family Court, RG1 1HE. Most claims are started online and only sent there if a hearing is needed.

Do I have to go to court in Reading for a small claim?

Often not. Most money claims are started and managed online through Money Claim Online, and many settle or are decided on paper. A hearing is only listed if the claim is defended, in which case it would usually be heard at Reading County Court and Family Court or, as the nearest alternative, Basingstoke County Court and Family Court (14 miles away).

How much does it cost to make a small claim in Reading?

The issue fee is set nationally and scales with how much you're claiming — it's the same in Reading as anywhere in England and Wales. See our small claims guide for the current fee bands and how to apply for help with fees.

Court papers arrived? Take a breath.

CaseCalm is a calm, step-by-step AI co-pilot for court claims — it reads what was filed and drafts your reply in plain English.

Join the waitlist