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Petty Debts

There are a number of factors set out below, which will help you decide whether you want to proceed with a Petty Debt and whether your matter can be dealt with by the Petty Debt process.

A Petty Debt can only be commenced in the Magistrate's Court where the value of the claim is £10,000 or under.
Examples of claims you can make include (but are not limited to):
•    Claims for debts;
•    Claims for damage to your property;
•    Damage to vehicles caused in Road traffic incidents;
•    Disputes over rent or deposit held by landlord;
•    Recovery of loan or credit card debt;
•    Unpaid invoices.

Excluded claims
There are cases which may seem to fall into the Petty Debts category but which are excluded. Examples include (but are not limited to):
•    Claims for libel or slander;
•    Claims concerning the title to land;
•    Claims where the matter is of a value of more than £10,000;
•    Multiple claims on the same type of debt which their sum is greater than £10,000.

If you need further information on which claims fall into the Petty Debt category you should consider consulting an advocate. The Client Services Team at the Royal Court can help by explaining the Petty Debts process but cannot provide you with legal advice.

Landlords are advised to check their tenancy agreements, with specific reference to arbitration clauses, before proceeding with any Petty Debt claim.

What's next?
If you wish to bring a Petty Debt Claim, please download and complete Annex C, a Petty Debts Claim Form. This needs to be submitted to the Office of H.M. Sheriff and H.M. Sergeant at the Royal Court, with the relevant fee.

Alternatively, should you require further information with regards to the process please download the 'Petty Debts Process' leaflet, call the Office of H.M. Sheriff and H.M. Sergeant on (01481) 221281 or email pettydebts@guernseyroyalcourt.gg

Citizens Advice Guernsey is a local charity that has trained advisors who offer a free and confidential telephone or drop in service. In particular they have a Money Advice Service and an appointment can be made with a specialist Money Adviser for help with budgeting, negotiation or unmanageable debt