Witness Statement in small claims court case

[bemybebe]

Are there any lawyers around that are be familiar with the way small claims cases heard in courts? I am taking a trader to a small claims court. Some time ago his lawyer had sent me a witness statement, which looks like a write up on his version of events. I do not have a request from courts on producing a similar document, but then I know of at least one letter going missing in post (a court fee request) that did not get delivered... I was trying to call the court several times to clarify but did not succeed.

I will call them again on Monday, but the case is to be heard on Wednesday and I am in a bit of panic all of a sudden.

Well, i went to court and was told off for not submitting the documents including the witness statement. WTF. I did not get their court fee demand, now this was missing. On top of this, it is impossible to get hold of anyone on the phone, it took me 2 days of solid ringing and getting though the family courts, so at least they could mark that I did try to pay. So, there was a postponement of the case. Only I received a letter today stating that the case is struck off because I did not turn up! I did, the defendant did not, but the case was not struck off. In addition there is a demand for me to pay the costs of the witness (I know nothing about any witnesses)... Just a joke. Put me right off further action, despite all injustices I feel. I have a toddler and a disabled husband and I just feed totally disheartened... thanks for reading.

the notice you got from the court telling you the date of the hearing normally tells you when you have to send your witness statement to the court and the defendant and also tells you when you have to send the bundle of documents you are going to refer to. you could fax to the court and defendant or email it.if you don't the case might be adjourned or struck out so worth doing.