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• but check if you have to pay any fees if you lose.
Please note: you generally have to choose between court or arbitration – you can't do both. If you don't like an arbitrator's decision you can't then go to court, except in special circumstances.
• many solicitors offer a low-cost initial interview.
• your local CAB can help you find one www.nacab.org.uk or local phone directory for nearest CAB.
The Lord Chancellor's web site publishes a useful booklet called Resolving disputes without going to court – look at www.open.gov.uk/lcd/civil/rdindfr.htm
Going to court
If you have tried everything else and you're still not satisfied, you might consider taking the matter to court.
What happens …
If you are claiming £5,000 or less – £750 in Scotland, you can use the small-claims procedures in the County Court – called the Sheriff's Court in Scotland.
If you have tried everything else and are still not satisfied, you may consider taking the matter to court to sue for return of your money or for compensation. You can use the small claims procedure in the County Court (the Sheriff Court in Scotland). These 'small claims' cases are heard informally in private. There is a court fee, but this is payable by your opponent if you win your case. The fees vary according to the amount claimed and are set by the court service. You can get further details on their web site at www.courtservice.gov.uk
Check your local County Court or Sheriff Court for further information (look under "Courts" in the telephone book for the address). They will be able to provide you with leaflets explaining the court procedure. Your local citizen advice bureau or consumer advice centre will also have these leaflets and may help filling in the court forms. Some of these can provide free legal advice as well, and someone may even be able to go to court with you.
Even if you lose
You will only have to pay your opponent's legal costs if the courts thinks that you acted unreasonably – for example, that your initial claim was unreasonable or that you did not bother to attend the hearing.
The small claims procedure is designed so you can deal with your own case. You can find leaflets explaining the procedure in more detail in your local Country Court office.
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